Rangers retain an interest in Cameron Archer, but a late move for the Southampton forward now looks highly improbable, with the Ibrox side’s striker business effectively concluded following the imminent arrival of Ryan Naderi.
Archer had been on Rangers radar as they explored attacking reinforcements during the latter stages of the window. The 24-year-old’s mobility, ability to stretch defences and experience at English Championship and Premier League level made him an attractive profile for a side seeking added dynamism in the final third.
However, while interest remained genuine, internal priorities shifted once negotiations for Naderi accelerated.
The Rangers Review posted at 9.01pm that their understanding was "that a deal for Naderi is currently being priortised over Archer."
Rangers late breakthrough to secure Naderi ultimately consumed the club’s focus. With a deal agreed and completed for the Hansa Rostock striker, attention turned to integrating the new arrival rather than pursuing multiple complex negotiations in parallel. As a result, any approach for Archer moved down the agenda.
Circumstances at St Mary’s have also worked against a transfer. Southampton recently bolstered their attacking ranks by bringing in Cyle Larin on loan from RCD Mallorca, with an option to make the move permanent.
However, that incoming business has been offset by a departure, with Adam Armstrong leaving for Wolverhampton Wanderers. That exit has left Southampton light in forward areas, reducing their appetite to sanction another attacking departure so late in the window.
With the English window already shut and only limited administrative allowances in play, the practical chances of a deal being constructed in the remaining hours before the 11pm deadline are slim.
Southampton’s negotiating position has hardened, and there is little incentive for them to weaken their squad depth at a time when attacking resources are already stretched.
For Rangers, the situation is one of acceptance rather than frustration. The priority objective, securing a striker capable of leading the line in the immediate term, has been achieved with Naderi’s arrival.
Pursuing Archer in addition would have required both favourable financial terms and cooperation from Southampton, neither of which appear realistic under the current conditions.
Unless there is an unexpected late shift, Rangers are done. The window’s final hour is now more about consolidation than expansion, with the Ibrox club’s forward line reshaped but not extended beyond their headline signing.