Aston Villa youngster Cameron Archer has been making headlines while on loan, and that could have some big consequences in the future.
Indeed, in an article by BirminghamLive, the young striker was praised for his form with Preston North End. The forward scored in his most recent outing against Blackpool with a ‘brilliantly taken finish’ and has now scored six goals in 14 matches.
The story claimed that this successful loan spell will give Steven Gerrard something to think about next season. With that in mind, TIF has decided to look at how things could play out in the near future.
Ings in trouble
Going into the season, the club made a marquee transfer by signing Danny Ings from Southampton for a fee reported to be in the region of £25m.
However, it’s safe to say things have not exactly gone to plan. He started well with two goals in his first two league games, but he has only added three more strikes in the Premier League since.
Ollie Watkins has been able to provide more goals this term (eight) and starts the majority of games, while Ings has had to settle for a spot on the bench more regularly than his striking partner.
When you take into account Archer’s good form, if he is to come back and fight for a spot in the team next term, Ings could see his minutes drop off even further.
Will Cameron Archer make it at Villa?
Yes
No
Millions saved in the future
Everyone knows strikers are some of the more expensive players to buy. At Villa, for instance, they splashed that £25m on Ings, and a further £28m (which could rise to £33m with add-ons) on Watkins.
Ings will turn 30 in the summer, and if his form isn’t going to improve, it could be argued there is a chance the Villans will look to replace him in the next few transfer windows.
However, because they have Archer playing so well, they might not have to go and spend a huge transfer fee on a new striker. Having come through the academy, he didn’t cost a penny to sign, and his stats show he has the potential to do the job in the future.
Indeed, he may only be 20 years old, but the Englishman is already doing it at senior level. Indeed, he has scored four times in six outings with the Villa first team – including one effort against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup – and has the aforementioned six goals since joining Preston in January.
Taking it all into account, he certainly looks to be one to keep an eye on – perhaps Ings will be watching his development carefully, too.
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