Chelsea have signed England international Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa in a deal reported to be a British transfer record, with the 23-year-old forward putting pen to paper on a long-term contract ahead of new head coach Xabi Alonso’s first full season at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have announced the signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, with the England forward putting pen to paper on a contract until 2033, with the option of a further year. The 23-year-old moves to Stamford Bridge in a deal reportedly worth around £117 million, making it a British transfer record. Rogers will join Xabi Alonso’s squad ahead of the 2026/27 season, having emerged as one of the Premier League’s leading young attacking talents during his time at Villa Park.
A record-breaking deal
According to reports, Chelsea paid approximately £117 million to sign Rogers, a fee understood to be a British transfer record. The club moved quickly to secure the forward after strong interest from Arsenal, who had also identified him as one of their top summer targets. Rogers has signed a six-year contract, with an option for a further 12 months that could extend his stay at Stamford Bridge to 2034.
New Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso is understood to have personally pushed for the signing, identifying Rogers as one of his priority attacking additions ahead of the new season. The forward completed his medical shortly after returning from England’s World Cup campaign, before the move was officially confirmed.
Rogers’ former club Middlesbrough are set to receive a significant sell-on payment as a result of the transfer, owing to a clause included when he originally joined Aston Villa.
Rogers’ reaction
Speaking after completing the move, Rogers said: “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.”
At Chelsea, Rogers is expected to reunite with Cole Palmer, with the pair having come through Manchester City’s academy together before going on to establish themselves separately in the Premier League.
Rise at Aston Villa
Rogers enjoyed a breakout campaign last season, registering 14 goals and 12 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions, the most productive season of his senior career to date. During his overall spell at Aston Villa, he contributed to 40 goals in 85 Premier League appearances, helping guide the Midlands club to a top-four finish before going on to lift the UEFA Europa League trophy last season.
International recognition
Since making his senior England debut in November 2024, Rogers has become a regular fixture in the national side, earning 22 caps and representing his country at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. His continued progress at international level has coincided with his rise to becoming one of the Premier League’s most sought-after young attacking players, culminating in his move to Chelsea.
