Morgan Rogers is expected to be at the centre of an £80million transfer tug-of-war this summer, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea all renewing their interest in the 23-year-old.
The England international has become a coveted attacking midfielder and is expected to be at the forefront of Thomas Tuchel’s thinking at the World Cup this summer.
His displays in the USA will doubtless play a part in any transfer business but the 24 goals and 23 assists he has to his name since the start of last season have already ensured a hefty price tag.
It could yet prove too hefty for his suitors. Villa did manage to extend Rogers’ contract last summer and have him tied down until 2031, without a release clause.
The Times report that Villa’s valuation is based on needing to pay 20 per cent of the profit from the sale to Middlesbrough, who sold him for £15min February 2024.
The Midlands club face a continued struggle to meet Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) and selling Rogers certainly helps alleviate that issue.
Rogers’ form has seen him become a feature for England, including this 1-0 friendly loss against Japan at Wembley
Rogers helped Villa to an impressive 3-1 win against Bologna in Italy on Thursday night
Villa posted losses of £120.3m in the 2022-23 season and £85.9m in 2023-24. Last season’s profit of £17m was a welcome reversal of fortunes, but the situation remains delicately balanced.
Another factor will be where Villa end up this season, with Champions League qualification a distinct possibility and Europa League glory very much part of their ambitions following a 3-1 win at Bologna in Thursday night’s quarter-final first leg.
Where any potential suitors finish this season will be key, too. This is a man in a hurry for Champions League football.
The versatile Rogers has also become a player opponents feel they have to stop, with manager Unai Emery accusing Villa’s rivals of playing dirty to do just that.
‘Morgan is a very important player for us and sometimes they are trying to kick him and stop him, sometimes being close to a yellow card or red card,’ said the Spaniard earlier this season.
‘I am not complaining. I am reviewing everything which happened in the matches we played. We need to adapt quickly to how football is changing.
‘In particular the attacking players are taking strong contact. We need to review how everything is progressing and work in the gym.’
A marked man on the field and a wanted man off it, there seems to be no holding him back.
