Archer

Cameron Desmond Archer (born 9 December 2001) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward or left winger for EFL Championship club Southampton.

Club career Living nearby in Walsall, Archer started training with Aston Villa at the age of six and progressed through their academy sides, regularly playing in higher year groups for his age. He broke into the U23 side at the age of 16 and has been a regular ever since.

Aston Villa Archer came off the bench to make his senior debut for Villa at the age of 17 years 262 days in an EFL Cup tie against Crewe Alexandra on 27 August 2019. Villa were an invited side for 2019-20 EFL Trophy, fielding an under-21 side in the competition, Archer started in both of Villa's group matches against Salford City and Tranmere Rovers, scoring from 18 yards early in the game against Tranmere in a 2–1 defeat.

On 2 October 2020, Archer signed for Solihull Moors in the National League on loan until January 2021. He made his debut from the subs bench the following day, in a 2–1 away defeat to Woking. On 10 October 2020, Archer got his first two goals in senior league football in a 5–0 victory over King's Lynn Town. On 4 January 2021, the loan was extended until the end of the season with no option to recall.

On 24 August 2021, Archer scored a hat-trick, his first senior goals for the club, in his first senior start, a 6–0 victory against Barrow in the second round of the EFL Cup.

Personal life Archer is the younger brother of Jordan McFarlane-Archer, a professional footballer currently signed for Southport. Archer is known as 'Cam' and attended Christ Church CE Primary and Walsall Academy secondary school.