Leeds United are working to sign Cameron Archer before January transfer deadline day but how much does the striker earn compared to the rest of the squad?
After a month of little activity in the market, Leeds United’s transfer window might be about to burst to life right at the end.
Things finally got interesting on Thursday when it was claimed Leeds were closing in on signing Matt Targett, and could even introduce the Newcastle left-back before the weekend.
Conflicting reports claimed Leeds would not be making a move for Targett this month but that would not be the last of the players linked.
Later in the day it emerged that Leeds had seen a loan offer for Cameron Archer rejected by Southampton.
However, Leeds are still pushing to sign the striker ahead of deadline day to give them some extra fire power in the bid to stay top of the Championship table.
Should Leeds sign Archer, how would his wages compare to the players already at Elland Road?
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Leeds United player wages compared to Cameron Archer
The latest reports suggest Leeds could offer £15m for Archer to try and convince a reluctant Southampton to sell this month.
Archer is said to be keen on the move, even though he only joined Saints in the summer, is a regular in the side and earns £40,000 per week, according to Capology.
Leeds have one of the biggest wage bills in the Championship and actually have five players on a bigger wage. Again according to Capology, the highest earner is Patrick Bamford on £70,000 a week, followed by Junior Firpo on £60,000 a week.
Pascal Struijk and Dan James reportedly earn £50,000 a week while Brenden Aaronson takes home £45,000. Two more players, welsh duo Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon, are said to pocked £40,000.
Additionally, Manor Solomon earns £60,000 a week but some of that will be covered by parent club Tottenham.
That puts Archer’s current pay packet among the highest earners at Leeds but a big-money transfer may see him earn a significant pay rise.
Do Leeds United need to sign Cameron Archer?
After seemingly not being in the market for a striker all January, it does seem somewhat strange that Leeds have made a late move for one now.
Yes, Bamford’s injury issues have continued, but he was already third in the pecking order and Joel Piroe has been a steady source of goals.
A new creative midfielder to lessen the load on Aaronson seemed to be a more pressing concern after failed attempts to sign Emi Buendia and Louie Barry.
However, Leeds’ wealth of wide attacking options, and even Ilia Gruev, could fill in for Aaronson should he get injured.
Whereas, up front, the options are limited after Piroe. Mateo Joseph has contributed some important goals off the bench but hasn’t delivered when given a start.
Archer’s goal record is patchy but he has delivered in the Championship in the past and could bring that extra helping of goals needed to ensure Leeds return to the Premier League.
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