Jobi McAnuff says Middlesbrough would be securing an ‘unbelievable’ signing if they manage to complete a January loan deal for Aston Villa striker, Cameron Archer.
The former Leyton Orient forward added that the Aston Villa academy product is someone ‘any top club’ in the Championship would want to sign.
Last season, Archer spent the second-half of the season on-loan at Preston North End where he impressed the locals by scoring seven goals in 20 games, including against bitter rivals, Blackpool.
At the start of the season, then-Villa boss Steven Gerrard shared that he was keeping the 21-year-old on board, so he can use him in the Premier League.
But prior to Gerrard’s sacking, he only played 43 minutes and now with Unai Emery in charge, Archer is set to join Championship promotion hopefuls, Boro.
If this deal goes through, then McAnuff thinks it would be a ‘top, top’ deal given the qualities possessed by Archer, as he told Good Morning Transfers on Sky Sports News (05/01/23).
“This is an unbelievable signing,” said McAnuff. “I think certainly one that any of the top clubs in the Championship would have been happy to make.
“The impact he made at Preston last season. Seven goals in 20 games. A real livewire. He makes some brilliant runs. He’s just electric. Shots from outside the box. A lovely left-foot.
“I know Preston were really keen to try and get him. He went back to Aston Villa. There was hope he would get a look-in under Steven Gerrard, but that didn’t quite work out and I am sure there would have been a load of clubs tracking his progress.
“There is a bit of a link. Aaron Danks, who is one of the coaches now at Boro with Carrick, did work with him during his previous time at Aston Villa. That might have been a key part of this transfer. If that does get done, it’s a real top, top signing for Boro.”
ARCHER MAKING THE RIGHT MOVE
In truth, given how Archer was treated by Gerrard, then he should have made that loan move in the summer rather than right now.
Back then, if you decide to keep someone on board, then you have to help them, rather than disrupt their progression.
But Boro’s style of play, current mood, change in form and push for promotion would be a great test for Archer.
If he can help fire the club into the play-offs and beyond, then he will go down as an instant legend at the Riverside.
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