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Unai Emery and Eddie Howe | Getty Images
Aston Villa could become embroiled in a transfer saga, should another big Premier League domino fall
It has been a quiet summer on the recruitment front for Aston Villa so far. Unai Emery’s side are being patient with their business and aren’t rushing into any deals. They have the chance to freshen up their ranks with some reinforcements before the end of the window on Monday 1st September.
The Midlands outfit also have the opportunity to let some players head out the exit door as well over the coming weeks. However, they won’t want to lose key players like Morgan Rogers or Ollie Watkins. Emery’s men face Newcastle United on the opening day later this month.
Newcastle United move for Nicolas Jackson may affect Aston Villa
Rogers, 22, is one of Villa’s most precious assets. They don’t want to lose him but would have a decision to make if a big money bid came in for him. He has a lot of time left to run on his current deal though so they would be under no pressure to cash in on him anytime soon. But, as seen with Alexander Isak, if a player decides they want to leave, it can become increasingly tricky for the club to stand strong and rebuff the growing interest.
It’s worth noting that Rogers went off injured in their last pre-season friendly outing against Roma. However, it isn’t believed to be serious which is good news. They are hoping he is fit to play against Newcastle in the first game which would be a big boost.
Former Aston Villa scout Bryan King has recently delivered his verdict on the player’s future, as per a report by Villa News: “I’d be very surprised if Aston Villa let Rogers go. He’s a central part of their team. It would take more than Jackson and money for them to ship him out, I think. It can’t be a straight swap, that’s for sure, because Rogers is worth twice the money of (Nicolas) Jackson.”
What now for Aston Villa and Morgan Rogers?
Aston Villa will be keeping an eye on what happens with Jackson at Chelsea. He is a player who Emery knows from their time at Villarreal together. They will have their fingers crossed that the Blues don’t come in for Rogers with the hefty chunk of cash they’ll land if they do indeed sell the forward to Newcastle.
Aston Villa signed Rogers back in the winter of 2024 to boost their attacking arsenal. They took a gamble on him after being alerted to his attention in the Championship at Middlesbrough. He has since turned out to be an inspired acquisition.
The England international, who has made four caps for the Three Lions, has scored 17 goals in 70 games altogether. The ex-West Brom youngster joined Manchester City in 2019 and was loaned out by Pep Guardiola’s side to Lincoln City, AFC Bournemouth and Blackpool to get some experience under his belt.
After joining Villa, he said at the time: “I had a conversation with him (Emery) briefly, getting to know him and what he’s about, his goals and the way he is as a manager. I’m looking forward to working with him because I feel like he can get the best out of me.”
He added: “With the way that the team has started this season, I want to add to that and just try to improve myself. I want to put myself in the best possible position to get to the top. With the manager and the players that are here and the way the club is going, it’s only going to get better.”
As for Jackson, he has actually been linked with Aston Villa recently but is now on Newcastle’s radar. The 24-year-old joined Chelsea back in 2023 and has since made 81 appearances for the London club altogether and has fired 30 goals, 13 of which came last term. However, he may not get regular minutes anymore.
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