Key Points
- Cameron Archer absent from Southampton’s latest fixture amid growing Rangers interest on transfer deadline day.
- Rangers prepared to sign Archer on loan with fee and wages covered, though deal rated 50/50.
- Archer keen on Ibrox move as Southampton nears sale of Adam Armstrong to Wolves.
- Verbal agreement reached for Ryan Naderi to join Rangers in summer after winter bids rejected.
Glasgow (Glasgow Express) February 2, 2026 – Rangers are intensifying efforts to sign Southampton striker Cameron Archer on deadline day after his absence from the Saints’ latest fixture signalled advancing Ibrox interest.
The 24-year-old forward, valued at £15 million, has featured sparingly this season with four goals in 23 appearances across all competitions. Reports indicate Rangers have most details in place for a loan deal, including a loan fee and full wage coverage, positioning Archer as a key target to bolster their attack.
Why is Cameron Archer missing from Southampton’s squad?
Archer’s omission from Southampton’s recent match against Hibernian has fuelled speculation of an imminent Rangers switch, with the deal described as likely to evolve rapidly at St Mary’s. According to Ibrox News, Archer wants the move to Ibrox, where Rangers desperately need a striker following struggles from Youssef Chermiti and Bojan Miovski.
As reported by Football Transfers of FootballTransfers.com, Southampton’s potential sale of Adam Armstrong to Wolverhampton Wanderers could complicate matters but also open the door for Archer’s exit. The Championship side prefers an obligation to buy in any loan arrangement.
What other striker targets are Rangers pursuing?
Rangers have secured a verbal agreement to sign Hansa Rostock’s Ryan Naderi in the summer, despite rejected winter bids worth over €3 million. The 22-year-old German forward, involved in more goals than Archer this season per Sofascore comparisons, handed in a transfer request but will remain with his club until the 2025-26 campaign ends.
Has progress been made on Naderi’s deal?
Chris Jack of Rangers Review states talks over the weekend established a framework for Naderi’s summer arrival, after Rostock blocked mid-season negotiations. Sky Sports confirms the verbal pact, highlighting Naderi’s eagerness for Ibrox.
What happens next on deadline day?
Rangers, under Danny Rohl, have already signed Tochi Chukwuani, Tuur Rommens and Andreas Skov Olsen this window but seek further forward reinforcement ahead of the Scottish Premiership push. Record Sport’s Scott Burns notes Archer’s potential move hinges on Southampton securing another striker first.
With Danilo reportedly departing, Archer represents an immediate solution as Rangers aim to challenge for the title before the window closes.
