Chelsea have completed the signing of England forward Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa in a deal worth £120m, making him the most expensive British player in football history.
The 23-year-old has signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge, surpassing the previous British transfer record set earlier this summer when Elliot Anderson joined Manchester City for £116m.
Rogers said he was drawn to Chelsea by the club’s long-term vision under new head coach Xabi Alonso and the opportunity to play alongside close friend Cole Palmer.
“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,” Rogers said.
The England international revealed that conversations with Alonso played a decisive role in his move.
“I’ve had a few conversations with him and I think it’s important for me to understand what the manager’s like, how he wants to operate. It very much fits with the way I see the game and how I want to play.”
Rogers added that Chelsea’s ambitions and Alonso’s football philosophy convinced him to leave Aston Villa after helping the club compete in the Champions League.
Despite joining a Chelsea side that will miss out on European football during the 2026/27 campaign, the forward said he believes the club is moving in the right direction.
He also expressed delight at reuniting with Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer, whom he has known since their teenage years in England’s youth setup and at Manchester City.
“We’ve been speaking about this for a while. We always wanted to play together. He’s non-stop ringing my phone, texting me, and I can’t wait. Playing with one of your best friends every day is something I’m really excited about.”
Rogers leaves Villa after emerging as one of England’s brightest attacking talents and now becomes Chelsea’s marquee signing as Alonso begins rebuilding the squad ahead of the new season.
