Chelsea has confirmed the signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a record-breaking fee of £117 million ($137 million), making him the most expensive British player in football history. The 23-year-old forward, who has signed a contract until 2033, will join the London club under new manager Xabi Alonso. The deal, which includes add-ons, marks a significant financial milestone for the Premier League, surpassing previous transfer records set by players such as Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Alexander Isak. Rogers, who made 85 appearances for Aston Villa in the Premier League, scored 40 goals during his time with the club. His contributions were instrumental in helping Villa secure fourth place in the league and reach the Europa League final, where he netted the decisive goal against Freiburg. He also earned a spot in the England national team, debuting in November 2024 and playing in 22 matches since then. Rogers was part of the squad that won bronze at the recent FIFA World Cup, participating in seven of eight games. “I am delighted to join Chelsea, the biggest club in London,” Rogers said in a statement released by the club. “I have always admired them and this move represents the culmination of my career aspirations.” Key factors influencing the transfer included the club’s ambitious project under Alonso, its attacking philosophy, and future targets. Rogers’ versatility and scoring ability make him a valuable asset for Chelsea as they aim to compete for major honors. Meanwhile, Phil Foden has extended his stay at Manchester City, signing a four-year contract with an option for a fifth season. The 26-year-old forward, who missed the recent World Cup due to injuries, expressed his commitment to the club. “Committing my future to City means everything to me,” Foden stated. “Playing for this club is all I’ve ever wanted.” Foden, who has been a key figure in City’s success over the years, has won six Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, and five FA Cups. He is one of the most decorated players in the club’s history, joining legends like Bernardo Silva and John Stones. Despite missing several games recently, Foden remains a vital part of the squad, having scored 110 goals in 369 appearances for the club. With the arrival of new manager Enzo Maresco, Foden looks forward to continuing his journey under a familiar face from Guardiola’s era. In other transfers, Crysencio Summerville has moved to Saudi Arabia, joining Al-Hilal from West Ham for €65 million. The 24-year-old Dutch international, who previously played for Feyenoord and had stints with Dordrecht and ADO Den Haag, has signed a four-year deal with Al-Hilal. His performances for West Ham, including eight goals and seven assists in 56 matches, have been noted by the club. West Ham, relegated from the top flight, has also sold Matteo Fernandes to Tottenham for €99 million in the same transfer window. Abdukodir Husanov, the Uzbekistan goalkeeper, has extended his contract with Manchester City for another five years. The 22-year-old joined City from Lens in January 2025 and contributed to their success in winning the FA Cup and League Cup while finishing second in the Premier League. Husanov, who has made 30 appearances for Uzbekistan and participated in the recent World Cup, expressed his excitement about working with new coach Enzo Maresco. “I feel ready for this challenge and look forward to impressing the new coaching staff,” he said.
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