Aston Villa winger Morgan Rogers has thanked the club's supporters following his record-breaking £117 million transfer to Chelsea, making him the most expensive British teenager in football history.
Record-Breaking Move
The 19-year-old completed his move to Stamford Bridge on deadline day, with the fee surpassing the previous record for a British teenager set by Jadon Sancho's move to Manchester United. Rogers joined Villa from Middlesbrough in January 2022 for an initial £1.5 million, making a significant profit for the club.
In a statement released on social media, Rogers said: "I want to say a massive thank you to everyone at Aston Villa. The fans have been incredible since day one, and I'll always be grateful for the support they've shown me."
Impact on Villa
The transfer provides a substantial financial boost for Aston Villa, who have been active in the summer window under manager Unai Emery. The £117 million fee will be recorded as pure profit in the club's accounts, helping them comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. Villa have reinvested part of the funds in new signings, including winger Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen for £50 million.
Rogers made 28 appearances for Villa, scoring 3 goals and providing 5 assists. His performances caught the attention of Chelsea, who see him as a long-term investment in their attacking options.
Future Prospects
At Chelsea, Rogers will compete for a place in a star-studded forward line that includes Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Cole Palmer. The club's co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart described Rogers as "one of the most exciting young talents in English football" and believe he has the potential to become a key player for the Blues.
Rogers is expected to make his debut for Chelsea in their upcoming Premier League fixture against Bournemouth. He will wear the number 19 shirt, previously worn by Mason Mount.
