Former Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry believes that Morgan Rogers should command a transfer fee exceeding the £116 million Manchester City paid for Elliot Anderson this summer. The 23-year-old Rogers has emerged as one of Arsenal’s primary targets, yet Villa remains reluctant to part with their prized asset.
Villa's Valuation and Comparison to Anderson
Reports indicate that Aston Villa has placed a valuation of around £130 million on Rogers, arguing he is worth more than Anderson following the latter’s record-breaking move to City. Rogers, who represented England at this summer’s World Cup, enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists in 37 Premier League appearances.
Key Role in Europa League Triumph
Rogers also played a pivotal role in Villa’s UEFA Europa League triumph in May, earning the competition’s Player of the Season award for his performances. His contributions have made him indispensable to the squad.
Barry's Perspective
“Speculation affected Morgan Rogers a bit last season,” Barry told Lyllo Casino. “I don't know if he wants a change of scenery, but as an Aston Villa fan, I don't want to lose him.” Barry emphasized the difficulty of replacing a player of Rogers’ caliber: “Someone of his age and talent is hard to replace. Villa will see Elliot Anderson's price tag and say you need to pay more for Morgan Rogers.”
Barry highlighted Rogers’ unique skill set: “He is a number 10 who scores and assists. There aren't many players in the league who do what he does.” He added, “I can see why Arsenal are interested, he's different from what they have, but Villa will demand a huge fee because he’s pretty much impossible to replace.”
Impact on Transfer Market
The comparison to Anderson’s £116 million fee sets a benchmark for negotiations. Arsenal’s interest underscores Rogers’ rising stock, but Villa’s firm stance suggests any deal would require a record-breaking offer. Barry’s comments reflect the sentiment among fans who value Rogers as a cornerstone of the club’s future success.
