Chelsea smash transfer record with £117m signing of Morgan Rogers

Chelsea have agreed a club-record £117 million deal to sign England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, the Premier League clubs announced on Tuesday. The transfer surpasses the previous record fee paid by Chelsea, which was £115 million for Enzo Fernández in January 2023. Rogers, 22, has established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in English football since breaking into the Aston Villa first team. He made 35 appearances for Villa last season, scoring 8 goals and providing 6 assists, earning his first England cap in March. The attacking midfielder is known for his dribbling, creativity, and goal-scoring ability from midfield. The deal includes an initial fee of £105 million, with a further £12 million in potential add-ons based on performance and Champions League qualification. Rogers has signed a six-year contract with Chelsea, with an option for a further year. Chelsea have been active in the summer transfer window, also signing striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli for £120 million earlier this month. The London club finished fourth in the Premier League last season and are looking to challenge for the title under new manager Mauricio Pochettino. Aston Villa, who finished seventh, will use the funds to strengthen their squad for their Europa Conference League campaign.