Cameron Archer bids farewell as Southampton player exit confirmed
Southampton star Cameron Archer has responded to the news of a confirmed departure from St Mary’s Stadium.
Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Dutch side PSV Eindhoven have registered their interest in Archer ahead of transfer deadline day.
The 23-year-old scored as Will Still’s men beat Norwich City 3-0 in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, 26 August.
Meanwhile, Southampton have signed Finn Azaz from Middlesbrough as Still vies to take the Saints back to the Premier League.
Mateus Fernandes joins West Ham
Amid the Hampshire club’s aspirations to seal an immediate Premier League return, Tyler Dibling joined Everton from Southampton.
The 19-year-old made his Toffees debut as David Moyes’ men defeated Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, 27 August.
Meanwhile, Dibling is not the only player to depart St Mary’s in recent weeks, with Mateus Fernandes joining West Ham.
After joining the West Londoners, the midfielder wrote on Instagram on Friday, 29 August: “The time has come to say goodbye after a super challenging and at the same time incredible season. From day one, I felt welcomed, supported, and inspired not only by my teammates and the coaching staff but especially by the passionate fans who were always by our side.
“I will never forget the game against Leicester that energy, that passion from the crowd is a moment that will forever be engraved in me as simply unforgettable.
“I’m sorry if I disappoint you. I know change isn’t easy to accept, and believe me, this was not a decision taken lightly. I chose this new path because I believe it’s the best for my growth and for my future. I know it may hurt, but I hope you understand it’s something I need to do for myself.
“I sincerely thank you for all the support you have always given me, and I hope we can keep good memories of the time we spent together. Southampton will always be special to me and my family.”
Archer responded to Fernandes’ emotional message by commenting: “Good luck scar.”
Southampton have already signed Mateus Fernandes replacement
Fernandes was one of Southampton’s best players in an otherwise disappointing Premier League campaign last term, notching two goals and four assists in the top flight.
| Mateus Fernandes stats | All competitions 2025/26 |
| Appearances | 4 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
The attacking midfielder has already shown Still the quality he has this season by scoring one goal and producing an assist in four outings across all competitions.
However, Southampton have already made up for Fernandes’ departure by signing fellow attacking midfielder Azaz from Championship rivals Middlesbrough.
After previously excelling in the second tier for his former club, Plymouth Argyle, Azaz notched an impressive return of 12 goals and 11 assists in the Championship for Middlesbrough last season.
Those exploits suggest that the Ireland international has the quality needed to help the Saints in their battle to earn promotion back to the Premier League.
Still’s men have not won in the second tier since their victory over Wrexham on the Championship’s opening weekend, but they can rectify that with a triumph over Watford on Saturday, 30 August.