Morgan Rogers, the young striker who became British football's most expensive player in history, joined Chelsea this summer for a record fee of £117 million. The 24-year-old, who helped England finish third at the 2026 World Cup, marked his debut for his new club with a goal in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Real Sociedad. Chelsea has bolstered its squad with several summer signings.
A promising start in blue
Morgan Rogers, who first made his Premier League debut with Aston Villa, immediately conveyed his ambition in his new challenge. “This is probably the summer I didn’t hate being so short,” he told Sky Sports. “I love my rest, I love spending time with my family, but at the same time I was watching pre-season games and couldn’t wait to get back.” The player, who scored in the EuroLeague with Villa, added: “I feel that excitement every time I step into the training ground. The anticipation of not knowing where it can lead is there. It could be good or bad, but I feel a positive energy.” Rogers also stressed the importance of this fresh start: “A new manager, a new environment, new players… Everyone is excited to see where this can take us. Chelsea is a club that wants to win trophies. It’s a club I’ve always seen win leagues and Champions Leagues while growing up. I want to be part of teams that achieve that here.”
A complementary partnership with Cole Palmer
Rogers’ move to Stamford Bridge also reunited him with childhood friend Cole Palmer, with whom he played at Manchester City’s youth and England youth teams. The two players, with distinct profiles, could form a formidable duo. “He’s more of a passer, a creator, an artist with the ball,” Rogers explained. “I’m more direct, more physical. Our qualities balance each other perfectly. We’ve known each other since we were 14 and know how to complement one another on the pitch.” Rogers downplayed comparisons between them: “Some might want to pit us against each other, but now we’re on the same team. The goal is to win and help each other shine. Off the pitch, playing with a close friend pushes us to go further, but the team and victory always come first.” With a record-breaking price tag comes the pressure that weighs on his shoulders. "This is what I live for," he said. "I want to be at the heart of the discussions, whether it's about matches or England team selections. Sometimes those discussions will be positive, sometimes not, but if I'm in them, it's because I'm doing things right." The young striker added: "This summer, I started getting used to it. I know I still have a lot to offer and I love the pressure that comes with it." Rogers, who finished last season as the best player in the Europa League knockout stages, concluded optimistically: "If I can influence what happens and what comes next, I'll be confident in my ability to be on the right side of the discussions."
Antoine Seville · 17 août 2026 · 3 min de lecture
