TRANSFER OPINION: Why Morgan Rogers Could Be Chelsea’s Smartest Move This Summer
Chelsea’s transfer business this window has, like the last three summers, has been packed with speculation, strategy, and a touch of chaos, with Chelsea splashing the cash around to strengthen their ranks. Names like Xavi Simons, Eberechi Eze, Malick Fofana, Nico Williams, and even Alejandro Garnacho have flown around the media. However, hidden beneath all this chaos is a name that could turn out to be one of the smartest move the West London club could make: Morgan Rogers.
A closer look at Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers came through West Bromwich Albion’s academy between 2010–2019, before signing for Manchester City. He went out on several loans during in time at City, from Lincoln City 2021, then to AFC Bournemouth 2021–22, before later joining Blackpool in 2023, scoring a total of 8 goals in the process of his loans.
The English international permanently transferred to Middlesbrough in the 2023-24 season, before finally getting his big move to Aston Villa 2024-25, making 48 Premier League apps scoring 8 goals and providing 11 assists, 12 Champions League apps involved in 7 G/A, with a further 5 FA Cup games 3 G/A—making for a total of 54 games, contributing 14 goals and 15 assists across competitions as per Transfermarkt.
Tactically: A Style That Fits Maresca’s System
Rogers transformed into a technically sharp player under Unai Emery, getting more positionally aware. Whether used wide on the left, the right or through the middle as a creative outlet. The versatile forward always excels at every metric. He receives the ball in tight spaces, and gets the ball into the right places with his trickery, linking up with midfield runners, which is what Maresca’s positional play demands.
With the addition of Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Chelsea have plenty of pacey wide players but Rogers gives a totally different dynamic to what Maresca would expect from the rest and their profile. He isn’t just a touchline winger as he combines intelligently, presses high and plays with conviction.
Mature Beyond His Years
Still only 23 years of age, it has not exactly been smooth sailing for Rogers. As a former Manchester City academy product, he has had to prove himself from his time at Lincoln City to when he got his big move to Villa. That resolve shows, he works hard for the team and that he didn’t get it easy. He works hard off the ball, and doesn’t just ghosts in big games.
In contrast to some of Chelsea’s recent recoup of young talents, he fits the plot like a glove.
A Smart, But Quite Expensive Move
With Chelsea and Aston Villa under scrutiny, UEFA would be closely watching every transfer going on between the pairs. With that in mind, the transfer will prove rather difficult, which means Rogers to Chelsea might not happen. The only positive in terms of money being spent is his wage demands, which won’t shatter the structure Chelsea’s hierarchy are trying to abide to.
On that note, I would personally say Rogers is a ‘risk worth taking as his addition would further help the Club World Cup champions compete for trophies on all fronts next season.