The latest transfer talk from Middlesbrough as one former Boro star is linked with a move that could boost his old club’s finances.
Middlesbrough are reportedly in line for a major financial windfall as one former Riverside Stadium favourite is linked with a big money move away from his current club.
Just under three years have passed since Boro secured a reported £1.5m move for Manchester City youngster Morgan Rogers and he went on to score seven goals and provide nine assists in 33 appearances during what would become a surprisingly short stay on Teesside. His form prompted Aston Villa to agree a deal initially worth around £8m for the attacking midfielder and hand him a chance to shine in the Premier League. That opportunity has been grasped with both hands as Rogers has impressed in the top flight and has also impressed during Villa’s Europa Conference League, Europa League and Champions League campaigns. A transition into international level has also been seamless and the former Boro manager is expected to be part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for this summer’s World Cup finals in North America.
Speaking recently, Villa boss Unai Emery said of Rogers: “He is focused. He is here with us for two years, and he is being consistent. He is playing consistently and demanding. As well, he knows how he is getting his progress and how the team needs him playing in different positions. He is versatile, playing on the left or in the number 10 as a second striker. He can play good or bad on the left side, or play good or bad in the middle or on the right.
“He, like Watkins, is always focusing on his task. Even not playing brilliantly, he is doing his task. I changed him because Buendia is performing well, and he could respond like he did when we needed him off the bench. He’s doing a fantastic season. He is part of everything offensively because of his quality and attitude. Sometimes he needs some rest because he is playing and playing and playing.”
Rogers’ outstanding form for club and country had triggered speculation the former Boro man could be set for a big money move away from Villa Park. European champions Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Arsenal are all said to have shown an interest in the England star and he could carry a £100m price tag according to some reports. Middlesbrough will be keen onlookers as they placed a significant sell-on clause into the deal that took Rogers to Villa in February 2024.
World record
Chelsea star Moises Caicedoplaceholder image
Chelsea star Moises Caicedo | Getty Images
Speaking about the sell-on clause in Rogers’ deal, Boro head of football Kieran Scott has previously stated: "I won't say what amount but there's a good sell-on for the club. It would end up being a great signing for someone who played for 5 1⁄2 months for us."
The Sun have reported that figure is around 20 percent and that would match the current world record income from a sell-on clause if Rogers does land a £100m move away from Villa this summer. The current record is held by Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle, who reportedly received £20m from Moises Caicedo’s move from Brighton and Hove Albion to Premier League rivals Chelsea.
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