Following their high-profile acquisitions of Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby in the summer, Aston Villa finished in the middle of the pack in terms of Premier League net spend. Four permanent sales, the most of which only brought in modest fees, allowed them to partially offset those purchases.
After a fruitful loan stay, Marvelous Nakamba joined newly promoted Luton, while Jaden Philogene moved down to the Championship with Hull City. Striker Keinan Davis left for Serie A team Udinese.
However, Cameron Archer’s £18 million transfer to Sheffield United was the major departure that brought Villa a sizable profit. Archer, a graduate of the Villa system, made an impression during his two half-season loans at Preston North End and Middlesbrough, tallying eighteen goals over the two stints to secure his place in the shop.
Considering that he would only be able to make 14 first-team appearances and hadn’t been allowed to start a single Premier League game, it was hardly shocking that he was eager to leave the team. However, it appears that his tale with Villa may not be over yet.
Villa will probably re-sign Archer if Sheffield United is relegated, according to talkSPORT. At this moment, it appears almost probable, as the Blades are a full 11 points from safety after 26 of 38 games.
The precise amount Villa would have to pay is unknown, but should Chris Wilder’s team fail, they will be able to reclaim him for a “cut-price fee” thanks to a “clever clause” NSWE incorporated into their contract with Sheffield United.
A “fantastic” Archer might take Duran’s place.
The main query that Villa supporters will have at this point is whether Archer has performed well enough to be considered for a squad spot under Unai Emery, or if he will be offloaded for a tidy profit once more.
Four goals in 16 league starts for Sheffield United may not seem like much on paper, but context is crucial in this situation. He is a member of the lowest-performing squad in the division, having allowed the fewest goals (20) and producing the second-lowest xG (23.7).
Making the most of a difficult circumstance, Archer has scored more goals in open play than any other member of the team and has just about outperformed his individual xG.The Englishman has been characterized as a player with true “technical quality” and a “fantastic finisher” by James Quinn, his former coach at Solihull Moors. He has undoubtedly held his own in front of goal despite the pressure of a relegation battle.
Crucially, Emery might think twice about appointing Archer as Ollie Watkins’ deputy because he is rumored to have some reservations about Jon Duran, whose behavior on the practice field has raised concerns “on multiple occasions”.
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