Unai Emery gives an explanation for Aston Villa’s sale. Archer Cameron

Cameron Archer was sold by Aston Villa, according to Unai Emery, since he was unable to provide the striker with the minutes he required for his current developmental stage in the upcoming campaign.

In a £15 million plus-add-on deal, the 22-year-old’s arrival as a Southampton player has been confirmed. After signing a permanent contract with the Blades, he played for Sheffield United the previous season. However, due to a stipulation, he had to return to Bodymoor Heath in July after their relegation.

This summer, clubs throughout Europe expressed interest in Archer, including Getafe, a Spanish club, and Union Berlin, a Bundesliga team. Earlier this summer, he had discussions with Bournemouth, but a transfer never happened.

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“Cameron Archer, we sold him [last summer], but it wasn’t a decision 100 per cent thinking he was leaving from us completely,” Emery stated.

“Because we were in his hands, we signed him again. Since he is still young, we believe that in order for him to continue growing, he needs to play more and more.

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