Southampton manager breaks silence on how Cameron Archer reacted during Leeds United negotiations

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For Leeds United, Cameron Archer might be one of those stories that just hangs around forever. More than once the Whites have tried and failed to sign the 23-year-old.

Leeds United first tried to sign Cameron Archer in 2023. But the Whites were beaten to the signing by Sheffield United who could offer Premier League football at the time.

Archer then sealed another Premier League move last summer, leaving Aston Villa and joining Southampton in a £15million deal. But in the January transfer window just gone, Archer’s links to Leeds United heated up yet again.

In the build up to deadline day it was revealed that Daniel Farke wanted to sign Archer on loan. It was even revealed that Archer was open to joining Leeds United on loan for the remainder of the season.

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Cameron Archer ‘fighting to stay or go’ at Southampton, says Ivan Juric

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Saints boss Ivan Juric has now discussed Archer and his professionalism during the final days of the January transfer window. Juric has even suggested that Archer was angling for a move to Elland Road, confirming reports that Archer wanted the move.

Ahead of Southampton’s FA Cup clash against Leeds United’s promotion rivals Burnley this weekend, Juric suggested Archer was ‘fighting to go’, saying: “Cam is top, he’s working hard. He was a big professional the last week whether he was fighting to stay or go.

“He’s always training hard. I want to change a little bit of his movements and I think he can improve a lot. This week he did really well with us.”

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Cameron Archer to Leeds United rumours won’t stop now

Despite the transfer window having now slammed shut, Archer’s links to West Yorkshire aren’t going to go anywhere anytime soon.

In fact, speaking to Leeds United News, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that Leeds United will keep tabs on Archer ahead of the summer transfer window opening later in 2025.

For Archer, now it’s about fighting against relegation with bottom club Southampton, who have just nine points so far in the 2024/25 Premier League season.

Archer has two goals in 21 league games for the Saints this season. If he can chip in with a few more goals and generally play well then it might not be just Leeds who are looking at signing him in the summer.