Chelsea don finally sign England international Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a British record fee wey dem value at £117 million. The deal, wey happen on Tuesday, make Rogers become the most expensive British player ever and also the most expensive signing for Chelsea.
The 23-year-old forward don sign contract wey go keep am for Stamford Bridge until 2033. According to Chelsea official website, Rogers go join Xabi Alonso squad for the 2026/27 season.
Rogers talk say: ‘I’m so excited. For me, Chelsea are the biggest club in London and a club I’ve always admired since I was a kid. I’m really excited about the project with the new manager, the players we’ve got and where the club is heading. That’s why I’m here and I can’t wait to get started.’
The transfer pass the previous British record wey Manchester City set when dem sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million earlier this month. Enzo Fernandez wey Chelsea sign for £107 million for 2023 don become second for club record.
Rogers don establish himself as one of the Premier League top young attacking talents during im time for Aston Villa. Im goals and assists contribute to 40 goals in 85 Premier League appearances, wey help Villa finish for top four and win the UEFA Europa League last season.
Since im senior England debut for November 2024, Rogers don become regular for the Three Lions, earning 22 caps and representing the country for the summer FIFA World Cup.
The swoop na big statement from Chelsea, wey convince Rogers to leave Villa even though Chelsea no go play Champions League this coming season. Chelsea don chase Rogers for two years and beat Arsenal to im signature after the Premier League champions refuse to match the fee wey Villa demand.
Rogers departure na another blow for Villa boss Unai Emery after Youri Tielemans move to Manchester United and Lucas Digne expected switch to Paris Saint-Germain. Villa talk on their website: ‘A player with impeccable behaviour and commitment, Morgan leaves Aston Villa with the best wishes of everyone at the football club for both his service to the club and for his future career.’
Middlesbrough, wey sell Rogers to Villa for 2024, go receive 20 percent of the fee due to sell-on clause. Rogers score 21 goals in 85 league appearances for Villa and na key figure for their Europa League final victory over Freiburg for May. Im enjoy breakout campaign last season, netting 14 times and producing 11 assists in 55 appearances.
Chelsea new manager Xabi Alonso go find way to fit Rogers, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Estevao Willian and another signing Geovany Quenda into im attacking midfield positions. Following Rogers arrival, Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho expected to be sold before transfer window close.
Rogers close friends with Palmer after their time together for Manchester City youth academy. Palmer famous ‘cold’ celebration na im Rogers first strike as Middlesbrough player. Rogers signing show say Chelsea still fit attract top-class signings despite failure to qualify for Europe after 10th place finish for Premier League last season.
