West Brom may secure a superior striker to Cameron Archer by signing Southampton’s £7m star.

West Bromwich Albion are expected to remain active in the transfer market before the summer window closes, with strengthening the attack still one of the club’s main priorities. Although the Baggies have already brought in several promising additions, there is a growing belief that further reinforcements are required if James Morrison’s side is to compete consistently throughout the Championship season.

The club has already added Jimmy Jay Morgan and Barney Stewart on permanent deals, and both forwards have made encouraging starts during pre-season by finding the back of the net. Their early performances have offered supporters reasons for optimism, but West Brom are still searching for another attacking player capable of adding greater depth and quality to the squad.

Recent reports have linked the Baggies with Southampton striker Cameron Archer, suggesting discussions have already taken place between the two clubs regarding a possible transfer. Following the departures of Josh Maja and Karlan Grant as free agents earlier this month, Morrison is understandably keen to strengthen his options at the top end of the pitch.

While Archer remains an attractive option on paper, there is a strong argument that West Brom should reconsider their approach and instead focus on another Southampton attacker who could provide greater overall value to the squad.

Cameron Archer May Not Be the Ideal Fit

Cameron Archer has developed a reputation as a natural centre-forward, but that specialization may actually work against him if he arrives at The Hawthorns this summer. Although he possesses proven goalscoring ability, West Brom’s current squad suggests that signing another traditional number nine may not be the most urgent priority.

The Baggies already have Barney Stewart and Heggebo available as specialist strikers, while Jimmy Jay Morgan is also capable of operating through the middle whenever required. Those options provide Morrison with several players who naturally occupy the central attacking role.

The real issue within the squad lies elsewhere. West Brom currently have limited depth in the wide attacking positions, relying heavily on Mikey Johnston and academy graduate Ollie Bostock as their only natural wingers. That lack of competition could become a significant concern across a demanding Championship campaign.

Because Archer has spent almost his entire professional career as a central striker, there is little evidence to suggest he could consistently solve those problems by playing in wider roles.

Archer’s Positional Record Highlights His Limitations

Since joining Southampton from Aston Villa during the summer of 2024, Archer has almost exclusively featured as a centre-forward. His appearances outside that position have been extremely limited, underlining how specialized his role has become.

Across his time with the Saints, he has made the overwhelming majority of his appearances as the team’s main striker. Only a handful of matches have seen him deployed elsewhere, with occasional outings as an attacking midfielder, right winger, left midfielder, right midfielder, or support striker.

In fact, he has never played more than three matches in any alternative position, emphasizing that managers consistently view him as an out-and-out number nine rather than a versatile attacking option.

That lack of flexibility could create selection difficulties at West Brom. If Stewart and Heggebo establish themselves as Morrison’s preferred central forwards, Archer could struggle to secure regular playing time unless injuries occur.

Investing in a player who may not significantly strengthen multiple areas of the squad could prove an inefficient use of transfer resources, particularly when other priorities remain unresolved.

West Brom’s Biggest Need Is Greater Versatility

Rather than signing another specialist striker, West Brom would arguably benefit more from recruiting an attacker capable of performing in several positions across the frontline.

Modern Championship squads increasingly rely on flexible forwards who can rotate between central and wide roles depending on tactical requirements. Having players comfortable across multiple positions provides managers with greater options during matches while also improving squad depth throughout a long campaign.

Given the shortage of natural wide players currently available, targeting a more adaptable attacker would address several issues simultaneously instead of solving only one.

Fortunately for West Brom, another Southampton player appears capable of offering exactly those qualities.

Ben Brereton Díaz Could Be the Better Option

Instead of pursuing Archer, West Brom should renew their interest in Ben Brereton Díaz, who has also been linked with a move away from Southampton this summer.

Earlier in the transfer window, reports suggested the Baggies were among the clubs interested in signing the Chile international, with Middlesbrough also credited with monitoring his situation. Despite that interest, Brereton Díaz remains at St Mary’s, meaning an opportunity still exists for West Brom to revive their pursuit.

If Morrison is looking for a player capable of improving several areas of his attack, Brereton Díaz appears to represent a far stronger fit than Archer.

Championship Numbers Favour Brereton Díaz

The statistics from last season highlight why Brereton Díaz deserves serious consideration. During his loan spell with Derby County, the experienced attacker produced stronger attacking numbers than Archer across several key categories.

Brereton Díaz made 40 Championship appearances compared to Archer’s 30. He also generated a higher expected goals figure while converting seven league goals, compared to Archer’s return of four.

Perhaps even more impressive was his overall contribution to chance creation. Brereton Díaz created seven big chances for teammates, whereas Archer managed only two over the course of the campaign.

Both players recorded three assists, but Brereton Díaz also posted significantly stronger expected assist numbers, demonstrating that his creativity extended beyond simply finishing opportunities himself.

His expected goals differential was also considerably healthier than Archer’s, suggesting his overall finishing and attacking output were more consistent throughout the season.

Collectively, those numbers indicate that Brereton Díaz provided greater all-around attacking value while contributing both goals and creativity for Derby.

Extensive Championship Experience Is a Major Advantage

One of Brereton Díaz’s greatest strengths is his familiarity with the Championship. Few available attackers possess his level of experience in England’s second tier.

The Chile international has represented Nottingham Forest, Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield United, Southampton, and Derby County during his career, accumulating extensive knowledge of the demands required to succeed in one of Europe’s most physically demanding leagues.

His seven Championship goals last season also took his overall tally in the division to 64, underlining his proven ability to deliver consistently at this level.

Unlike players arriving from overseas or younger prospects still adapting to senior football, Brereton Díaz would require little adjustment period and could make an immediate impact if he joined West Brom.

Versatility Makes Him Even More Valuable

Perhaps the biggest reason Brereton Díaz stands out as a superior target is his remarkable positional flexibility.

While he has played 129 matches as a centre-forward during his professional career, he has also accumulated significant experience on both wings. He has featured more than 100 times as a left winger while also making over 70 appearances on the right side of the attack.

That versatility would provide Morrison with numerous tactical options throughout the season.

He could start centrally whenever required, rotate onto either flank to provide width, or switch positions during matches depending on opposition tactics and injuries.

Very few players available in the Championship market offer that combination of experience, productivity, and positional adaptability.

Better Balance for Morrison’s Squad

Signing Brereton Díaz would immediately improve the overall balance of West Brom’s squad.

Instead of simply adding another specialist striker, Morrison would gain an attacker capable of strengthening three different positions across the frontline. That flexibility would reduce the club’s reliance on Johnston and Bostock in wide areas while simultaneously increasing competition for places through the middle.

Having a player capable of covering multiple attacking roles would also allow Morrison to rotate his squad more effectively during busy periods without sacrificing quality.

Over the course of a long Championship season, those additional tactical options could prove extremely valuable.

Southampton Could Be Open to a Deal

Brereton Díaz originally joined Southampton from Villarreal in a deal worth approximately $7 million, but he has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at St Mary’s.

After spending last season on loan with Derby County, there remains uncertainty surrounding his long-term future, potentially creating an opportunity for interested clubs.

If Southampton are prepared to sanction another departure, West Brom should position themselves strongly to complete a move before rival clubs intensify their interest.

The Smarter Move for West Brom

Although Cameron Archer remains a talented striker with considerable potential, he may not represent the best solution for West Brom’s current needs.

Ben Brereton Díaz offers stronger Championship experience, greater attacking production, improved creativity, and significantly more positional flexibility. His ability to operate both as a striker and on either wing would solve multiple issues within Morrison’s squad while giving the manager greater tactical freedom.

With the transfer window still open, West Brom should prioritize a move for Brereton Díaz rather than continuing negotiations for Archer. In doing so, they would strengthen several positions at once while adding a player capable of making an immediate impact in the Championship and helping the club pursue its ambitions throughout the 2026/27 campaign.