Tonda Eckert needs to sell Southampton star who was described as ‘terrific’ by Man Utd boss Michael Carrick.

Southampton appear ready for a hectic final few days of the transfer window, particularly when it comes to departures. Tonda Eckert needs to reduce the size of his squad and ensure that the players remaining at St Mary’s have realistic opportunities to contribute during the season.

The Saints suffered a heavy defeat against West Ham United in the second round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday. Their elimination means that, until the FA Cup begins in January, their attention can now be focused almost entirely on the Championship.

And while the second tier schedule can be gruelling, certain players who have barely featured could now be expected to depart before the transfer window shuts next Tuesday.

Several Southampton players are expected to depart

Aaron Ramsdale, Gavin Bazunu, Damion Downes, Mads Roerslev and Yuki Sugawara have not even made a matchday squad so far this season. However, Cameron Archer occupies a slightly different position.

Unlike some of those players, he remains involved around the first-team squad, but his current role is becoming increasingly difficult to justify. He is technically part of Eckert’s plans, yet his opportunities are extremely limited.

Archer has made just one appearance this campaign, coming for 15 minutes during Southampton’s EFL Cup first-round victory over Colchester United. He has been included in the squad for the other competitive fixtures but has not been introduced from the bench.

Cameron Archer faces an uncertain future at St Mary’s

The arrival of Cyle Larin on a permanent basis, combined with the loan signing of Divin Mubama, has pushed Archer down the pecking order. Eckert has generally preferred to operate with one recognised central striker, allowing Larin and Mubama to share the position.

That leaves Archer waiting for opportunities that may not arrive. A similar problem affected him last season when Larin and Ross Stewart competed for the starting role, although Archer at least received some substitute appearances and managed to start several matches later in the campaign.

Unless injuries or a significant change in Eckert’s tactical approach occur, Archer could spend another season watching from the sidelines rather than developing through regular Championship football.

The striker has already shown he can perform at this level

Archer’s current situation is particularly frustrating because his previous Championship record demonstrates that he can be a highly effective striker when given consistent opportunities.

During loan spells with Preston North End and Middlesbrough, he established himself as one of the division’s most promising young forwards. His time at Middlesbrough during the second half of the 2022/23 season was especially impressive under Michael Carrick, who is now Manchester United’s manager.

Carrick was full of praise after Middlesbrough completed the deal for Archer, describing him as a “terrific young player” and highlighting his versatility, aerial ability, energy and acceleration.

Across his two Championship loans, Archer scored 18 goals in 40 appearances. Eleven of those goals came in only 20 games for Middlesbrough, while he also recorded six assists. That gave him 17 direct goal contributions in just 20 appearances for Boro, underlining why he attracted significant attention.

Those performances helped Archer earn major opportunities in the Premier League. Sheffield United agreed to a deal worth £18 million if they had avoided relegation during the 2023/24 season. Archer scored four times in 29 appearances as the Blades went down, allowing Aston Villa to activate their buy-back clause.

Archer’s Southampton numbers suggest there is still something to unlock

Archer’s move to St Mary’s represented a significant opportunity, but his first season back in the Championship did not produce the regular football many expected.

Under Eckert, Archer struggled to establish himself, particularly after Ross Stewart returned to contention. He played fewer than 1,000 minutes, started only 11 league matches and did not feature from the bench during either leg of Southampton’s Championship play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough.

Despite those limitations, Archer still produced four goals and three assists. His underlying numbers also indicate that he remains capable of contributing when trusted with minutes.

Last season, Archer averaged 0.36 goals and 0.27 assists per 90 minutes in the Championship. He also recorded 2.71 shots, 1.08 shots on target and 0.50 expected goals per 90.

A loan could benefit both Archer and Southampton

For that reason, Southampton should seriously consider allowing Archer to leave on loan before the September 1 deadline. A temporary move would give him the opportunity to play consistently without forcing the club into a permanent decision about his future.

Lewis Dobbin could also provide additional cover. The new Southampton arrival impressed through the middle during his time at Preston last season, meaning he could potentially deputise as a central striker if an injury crisis develops.

Archer still has two years remaining on his Southampton contract. A successful loan could increase his value and create stronger options for a permanent sale next summer.

Preston North End have reportedly been linked with bringing Archer back to Deepdale, where he previously spent time on loan. The Lilywhites need attacking reinforcements after selling Milutin Osmajic, making a return particularly logical.

A productive spell at Preston could be exactly what Archer needs. Regular Championship starts would allow him to rebuild momentum, regain confidence and demonstrate that the qualities he displayed at Middlesbrough have not disappeared.

For Southampton, meanwhile, a successful loan would provide valuable information before deciding whether Archer has a long-term future at St Mary’s. Keeping him as a third-choice striker could leave his development stalled, while sending him somewhere he can play every week could benefit everyone involved.

With the transfer deadline approaching, the decision surrounding Archer could therefore become one of Southampton’s most interesting pieces of business. The striker has already proved he can score and create in the Championship, but he now needs the opportunity to show it again.