Chelsea agree record £117m deal for Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers

Chelsea have reached an agreement with Aston Villa to sign England international Morgan Rogers in a club-record deal worth £117 million.

The 23-year-old midfielder is expected to sign a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, with the option of a further year, after undergoing a medical on Monday following his return from England duty at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The transfer will make Rogers the most expensive signing in Chelsea’s history, surpassing the £107 million the club paid for Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández in 2023.

The deal also sets a new record for the highest transfer fee paid for an English player, eclipsing the £116 million Manchester City agreed to pay Nottingham Forest for England midfielder Elliot Anderson earlier this summer. Rogers’ arrival is one of the first major moves under new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso as he reshapes the squad ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season.

The midfielder began his professional career at Manchester City before joining Middlesbrough, where he established himself as one of the Championship’s standout young talents. He moved to Aston Villa in February 2024 and went on to score 21 league goals in 85 appearances under Unai Emery.

During his time at Villa, Rogers also played a key role in the club’s UEFA Europa League triumph last season. At international level, Rogers has earned 21 senior caps for England, scoring one goal. He also featured in six matches for the Three Lions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.