Middlesbrough are set to earn approximately £20.2 million from a sell-on clause when Morgan Rogers completes his £117 million transfer from Aston Villa to Chelsea in the coming days. The 23-year-old midfielder is expected to undergo a medical on Monday after his World Cup duties ended with England's 6-4 win over France.
Details of the Deal
Villa and Chelsea have agreed verbal terms for the transfer, which will see Rogers sign a six-year contract with the option of an additional year. The sell-on clause, inserted when Rogers joined Villa from Middlesbrough in February 2024 for £16 million, entitles Boro to 20% of the transfer fee. Middlesbrough had previously paid just £1.5 million to Manchester City for Rogers a year earlier.
Middlesbrough's Windfall
Middlesbrough's head of football, Kieran Scott, had previously hinted at a significant sell-on fee when Rogers was linked with Arsenal. Scott stated, "I won't say what amount. But there's a good sell-on for the club. It would end up being a great signing for someone who played for 5 and a half months for us." The windfall could be a world-record percentage fee for a transfer.
Rogers' Decision and Impact
Rogers opted to join Chelsea over Arsenal, with new manager Xabi Alonso playing a crucial role in convincing him. The move represents a setback for Arsenal, who had identified Rogers as a transfer priority. Rogers has established himself as a lethal attacking midfielder, scoring 31 goals and providing 29 assists in 125 appearances for Villa, contributing to their Champions League qualification and Europa League title.
Implications for Aston Villa
The sale comes as a blow to Villa, who recently lost influential midfielder Youri Tielemans to Manchester United for £35 million. Villa have already completed a club-record signing of Swiss international Johan Manzambi for £52 million and are expected to bring in Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes. Talks are also ongoing with Bayern Munich over a loan deal for Joao Palhinha as Villa prepare for Champions League football next season.
