CAMERON ARCHER has returned to Aston Villa – one year after Unai Emery sold him to Sheffield United for £18million.
It represents a smart bit of business by Villa who have pocketed £3million from the deal, while gaining valuable Premier League experience for Archer.
The 22-year-old striker scored four goals in 30 top-flight appearances for the Blades, including a goal at Villa Park in December.
However there was a clause in his contract guaranteeing Archer would return to Villa Park in the event of United being relegated.
Sheffield United splashed out £18million last summer on the kid striker but only paid a £3million instalment on the fee up front, which has been retained by Villa, effectively as a loan fee.
It means the Blades will not have to shell out the remaining £15million for Archer, who has become a Villa player again.
A statement from the Blades confirmed: “Sheffield United can confirm that Cameron Archer has returned to Aston Villa under terms of the initial transfer agreement. Thanks for your efforts, Cam.”
The Blades failed to avoid an immediate return to the Championship last season.
Chris Wilder’s side finished bottom of the table, 16 points adrift of 17th place Nottingham Forest.
Archer spent three seasons in the Villa first-team prior to moving to Bramall Lane, having come through the club’s academy.
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The forward scored four goals in 14 appearances alongside loan spells with Solihull Moors, Preston and Middlesbrough.
Archer’s return to Villa is the latest addition in what has been a busy summer for the club.
Emery is currently preparing for Champions League football, appearing in Europe’s premier competition for the first time since 1983.
Villa have already made five signings this summer ahead of the upcoming season.
Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea both joined from Juventus following Douglas Luiz’s move to the Italian giants.
Elsewhere, Ian Maatsen has signed from Chelsea, with Tyler Dobbin and Ross Barkley also coming in.
