Rogers to Chelsea in record British deal
London - AFP - Chelsea FC has signed international midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa in a deal valued at £117 million ($157 million), according to British media, breaking the record for the most expensive British footballer.
The London club stated on its website: "The 23-year-old striker has signed a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2033."
Rogers passed his medical examination on Monday after returning from the World Cup in North America.
Speaking in a Chelsea statement, Rogers said: "I am very excited. For me, Chelsea is the biggest club in London, a team I have admired since childhood."
He added: "I am very eager to be part of the project with the new manager, the players we have, and the direction the club is taking. So, I am here and very keen to get started."
This deal broke the previous British record held by Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, who moved to Manchester City for £116 million earlier in July.
Rogers is now Chelsea’s most expensive signing, surpassing the £107 million paid for Argentine Enzo Fernandez from Portuguese club Benfica in 2023.
The move also signals strong ambition from Chelsea, which convinced Rogers to leave Aston Villa despite the London club not qualifying for the Champions League next season, unlike his former club.
Rogers’ departure is another significant blow to Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, following the transfer of Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and the anticipated move of French forward Luka Djordjevic to French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Championship side Middlesbrough will receive 20 percent of the transfer fee due to a clause in the contract from when they sold Rogers to Aston Villa in 2024.
Rogers scored 21 goals in 85 league appearances for his club and was a key figure in their Europa League victory over German side Freiburg last May.
He enjoyed an exceptional recent season with Aston Villa, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists in 55 matches across all competitions.
Chelsea’s new Spanish manager, Xabi Alonso, will need to find a way to integrate Rogers, Cole Palmer, Brazilians Pedro Neto and Estevao, and another summer signing, Portuguese midfielder Giovanni Kenda, into the attacking midfield positions.
Following Rogers’ arrival at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea is expected to part ways with Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho before the transfer window closes.
Rogers shares a close friendship with Palmer, dating back to their time together in the Manchester City youth academy. Palmer’s famous “cool” celebration was inspired by Rogers, who first performed it while playing for Middlesbrough.
