Arabic version: تشيلسي يُتم صفقة مورغان روجرز القياسية مقابل 117 مليون جنيه إسترليني
According to BBC News, Chelsea have completed the signing of England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a British record transfer fee of £117m. Rogers returned from the United States on Monday after featuring for England at the World Cup, underwent a medical in London and signed a six-year contract with an option for a further year.
“I’m joining the biggest club in London,” Rogers said in his announcement video. “The way the club wants to go and how it wants to move forward is something I want to be a part of. I think it was just perfect for me. I just can’t wait to get going.” Chelsea had tracked the player for more than two years and moved after England’s semi-final defeat by Argentina. The agreement was finalised on Saturday afternoon before Rogers played in England’s bronze-medal victory over France.
Rogers could primarily operate on the left for head coach Xabi Alonso, with Cole Palmer in the number 10 role, although their versatility means they can play together. Chelsea are also exploring a back-three system, which could allow the pair to feature as dual number 10s. Rogers recorded 14 goals and 12 assists in 55 appearances last season.
The transfer adds to Chelsea’s summer spending after the £47m arrival of full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta. The club must also manage its finances through player sales and loans. Chelsea sold Marc Cucurella, Andrey Santos, Tyrique George and Jimmy-Jay Morgan for a combined fee of more than £120m, and are expected to seek departures for at least a dozen players from 37 senior options.
