Morgan Rogers declared Chelsea are the biggest club in London after he became the most expensive English player of all time by completing his £117million move to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues hijacked Arsenal’s chase for the England star, opening talks the day after their World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina.
Gunners sources claim they were only interested in the 23-year-old for a maximum £80m, but Chelsea quickly struck their deal with Villa to make him their most expensive signing – surpassing the £106m they paid for Enzo Fernandez in 2023.
And as his move was confirmed last night, 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.’
Rogers will now link up with his close friend Cole Palmer and join an exciting attack which also includes Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian under Xabi Alonso.
Morgan Rogers signs on the dotted line for his six-year deal at Chelsea
Morgan Rogers will now become Chelsea’s most expensive signing, surpassing the £106m paid for Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea have been tracking Rogers for more than two years and, with full backing from Alonso, they have now completed the biggest deal of this summer so far.
Rogers has signed a six-year contract taking him to 2032 with an option for an additional year. On Friday, Rogers spoke personally with Alonso and agreed personal terms. That saw the deal all but wrapped up within 48 hours.
Middlesbrough will be due a significant chunk of Villa’s £117m sale after negotiating a 20 per cent sell-on clause into their 2024 transfer. It is understood that percentage relates to profit only, but Boro sold Rogers for just £8m plus £7m in add-ons. They now stand to receive around an additional £20m.
Chelsea captain Reece James is said to have been selling his club to Rogers from inside the England camp during the World Cup.
Rogers is due to have downtime now following the World Cup, with a three-week break the norm. He is scheduled to join his new team-mates after their Australia and Asia pre-season tour has concluded. Chelsea fly to Sydney at the end of this week.
