Chelsea line up £117m Morgan Rogers deal as record move awaits medical

Chelsea have agreed a £117m deal to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, making the England midfielder set to become the most expensive player in the club’s history if the move is completed. The 23-year-old is expected to undergo a medical before signing a six-year contract with an option for one more season.

The fee would also edge past the reported £116m English-player record set earlier this summer by Elliot Anderson’s move to Manchester City. For Chelsea, it would surpass the £107m paid for Enzo Fernandez in 2023 and mark a major statement as new manager Xabi Alonso reshapes the squad.

Rogers’ rise has been rapid since leaving Middlesbrough for Villa in February 2024. He scored 21 goals in 85 league appearances for Unai Emery’s side, won the Europa League last season, and has become a regular part of England’s senior setup with 22 caps and seven appearances at the 2026 World Cup.

The financial ripple effect is significant for Middlesbrough, who are due at least £20.4m because of a sell-on clause from Rogers’ move to Villa. At Stamford Bridge, the football question is just as big: how Alonso balances Rogers with Cole Palmer and Chelsea’s other attacking options in a season without European football.