Credit: Breaking Media/Manh Tung

Scott Mason

Wed 15 April 2026 10:10, UK

Cameron Archer could have been lacing up his boots for Rangers, but a winter move failed to materialise despite strong interest.

Danny Rohl was in the market for a forward, and the Englishman looked likely to be Ibrox-bound. Ultimately, the deal did collapse, leaving the Govan-based club looking elsewhere.

In the end, Ryan Naderi was snapped up by the Bears, and early signs have been promising for the towering German.

However, a recent injury has dealt a significant blow to Rangers’ title aspirations, with Naderi in line to miss the title run-in.

While Naderi may turn out to be a star after signing for Rangers, the last thing Rohl needed this season was to see his other potential signings perform elsewhere, which is exactly what Archer is doing now.

Cameron Archer shows what Rangers missed out on in Championship promotion race

Naderi could have been Rangers’ difference maker in the title race, but supporters will likely have to hold on until next season to truly see if he can be a success.

However, in the case of the Germans’ alternative, Archer, the Gers may be looking on disgruntledly as he looks to have turned a corner in England.

Against Blackburn on 14 April, Archer provided both a goal and an assist as the Saints chase down an automatic promotion spot in the Championship.

His contributions provided a crucial three points as the season begins to come to a close.

However, it was not just this game where he had influence, as he picked up an assist in his previous start for Southampton as well.

The 24-year-old is beginning to change perceptions among the Southampton fanbase, and manager Tonda Eckert has heaped huge praise on the forward.

After the win, the Saints boss stated: “We know Cam Archer is an unbelievable finisher.”

Rangers still have long-term gain with Ryan Naderi

In the end, Rangers may not come to regret the failure to capture Archer, but based on what has happened since the end of the winter window and now, they may be thinking of what could have been this campaign.

With the margins tight at the top of the table, a firing forward like the Southampton star could have been exactly what was needed. His form shortly after Naderi’s blow is a kick in the teeth.

However, hindsight is unforgiving, and injury to Naderi was always going to be unpredictable. There is still plenty of long-term value to extract from the German.

Hopes will now rest with Youssef Chermiti and Bojan Miovski to hand Rangers their 56th Scottish Premiership title with their goalscoring exploits.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.