View: Aston Villa may have made Cameron Archer decision as Preston make move for Troy Parrott
Aston Villa appear to have decided to keep Cameron Archer as long-term admirers Preston North End have made a move to sign Spurs’ Troy Parrott.
The Lilywhites took Archer on loan for the second half of last season, with the young striker scoring seven times in 20 appearances for Ryan Lowe’s side.
Preston had been at the head of a long line of Championship clubs looking to secure his services for next season, but Mike McGrath has reported they have instead moved on to Irish international Parrott.
It had previously been reported on 22 July by the Express & Star that Archer would learn if he would go back out on loan or remain at Villa this week.
Preston’s decision to abandon their pursuit of Archer would seem to be the clearest indication yet that Steven Gerrard will keep the young striker.
Correct decision
If Preston’s move for Parrott is an indication that Archer will remain a Villa player for next season, then it is the correct decision by Gerrard.
Archer had his breakout season in 2021/22, bagging 17 goals against senior opposition across spells with Villa and Preston, after previously being something of a forgotten man.
He made his senior debut in a six-goal drubbing of Crewe Alexandra in 2019 but did not appear again all season after that.
Solihull Moors took him on loan in 2020 but failed to leave much of an impression, scoring four goals in 26 National League games – two of which came in one game against King’s Lynn.
Fans were surprised to see him named in the starting line-up for Villa’s Carabao Cup tie with Barrow in August, but they were left in no doubt after as he grabbed a memorable hat-trick.
He never looked back from there and has continued to impress for England Under-21s and with Villa during their pre-season campaign.
If he can maintain his current trajectory, he could be a lethal option off the bench for Villa at the start of the season, possibly challenging for a starting berth afterwards.
In other Aston Villa news, it has been three years since Douglas Luiz signed for the club.