Chelsea have completed the signing of England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa in a deal worth a reported £117 million ($157 million), making him the most expensive British player in history.
The 23-year-old signed an eight-year contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2033, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday.
Rogers completed his medical on Monday after returning from the FIFA World Cup in North America.
“I’m so excited,” Rogers said after the move was confirmed.
“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 reported fee eclipses the previous British transfer record of £116 million, set earlier this month when Manchester City signed England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
Rogers also becomes Chelsea’s most expensive signing, surpassing the £107 million the club paid Benfica for Enzo Fernández in 2023.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Rogers stretched over two years, with the west London club reportedly beating Arsenal to his signature after Aston Villa stood firm on their valuation.
His departure represents another significant setback for Villa manager Unai Emery following the exits of Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and the expected transfer of Lucas Digne to Paris Saint-Germain.
In a farewell statement, Aston Villa thanked Rogers for his contribution to the club.
“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,” the club said.
Championship side Middlesbrough, Rogers’ former club, are expected to receive 20 per cent of the transfer fee through a sell-on clause included in his move to Villa in 2024.
Rogers scored 21 Premier League goals in 85 appearances for Villa and played a key role in the club’s UEFA Europa League triumph over Freiburg in May.
He enjoyed a standout campaign last season, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions.
“He will always remain a core part of our recent great moments and memories,” Villa added.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso now faces the task of integrating Rogers into an attacking unit that already includes Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Estêvão Willian and fellow summer signing Geovany Quenda.
The arrival of Rogers is also expected to accelerate the departure of Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho before the transfer window closes.
Rogers shares a close friendship with Palmer from their time together in Manchester City’s academy, with Palmer’s trademark “cold” celebration having been inspired by Rogers during his spell at Middlesbrough.
The signing underlines Chelsea’s ability to attract elite talent despite missing out on UEFA Champions League football next season after finishing 10th in the Premier League last term.
Rogers is expected to join up with his new teammates after a short break following England’s run to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup.
AFP
