Morgan Rogers won the Europa League with Aston Villa
Morgan Rogers won the Europa League with Aston Villa(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
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Aston Villa have sent a classy message to Morgan Rogers after he completed a move to Premier League rivals Chelsea for £117 million.
The 23-year-old has become the most expensive British player in history, with his record-breaking transfer fee eclipsing that of Elliot Anderson, who moved to Manchester City earlier this summer.
Villa were quick to acknowledge the impact of Rogers, posting: "Aston Villa can confirm that Morgan Rogers has completed a permanent transfer to Chelsea. Since joining from Middlesbrough in 2024, the midfielder has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence, helping Villa to lift the UEFA Europa League last term, scoring the third goal in the final in Istanbul.
" During his time at the club, he also earned his first senior England caps, representing his country at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where the Three Lions finished third. A player with impeccable behaviour and commitment, Morgan leaves Aston Villa with the best wishes of everyone at the football club for both his service to the club and for his future career.
" He will always remain a core part of our recent great moments and memories."
Chelsea were happy to meet Villa's valuation of Rogers last week, despite strong interest from Arsenal, but the Premier League champions were not willing to bid anywhere near that amount.
Rogers joined Villa from Middlesbrough in February 2024 for an initial £8 million, rising to £15 million, and has made 125 appearances under Unai Emery.
He played a key role in helping Villa lift silverware in May and scored the third goal in the club's 3-0 win over SC Freiburg in the Europa League final.
Rogers scored a total of 14 goals across all competitions last season and chipped in with 11 assists in the 55 appearances he made.
Villa have made two big signings so far this summer, recruiting Johan Manzambi for a club-record £52 million before also bringing in Joao Gomes from Wolves for £35 million.
Youri Tielemans left for Manchester United after his £35 million release clause was triggered, while Lucas Digne is joining Paris Saint-Germain for less than £10 million.
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