Chelsea and Aston Villa, competitors in the English Premier League, announced Chelsea's signing of English international Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa on a contract extending until 2033. British media reported that the deal was worth £117 million ($157 million), making Rogers the most expensive British player in history.

Neither club disclosed the financial details of the deal, but Sky Sports reported that its value exceeded the amount Manchester City paid Nottingham Forest for midfielder Elliot Anderson earlier this month, which was £116 million. Chelsea's previous record signing was Ecuadorian midfielder Moisés Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion for £115 million in 2023.

Rogers said in a statement released by the club: 'I am very excited. For me, Chelsea is the biggest club in London, and it is the club I have always admired since my childhood. I am very excited about the project with the new coach, with the group of players here, and the direction the club is heading. That is why I came here, and I can't wait to get started.'

Rogers, who is adept at playing on the wing and as a playmaker, leaves Aston Villa after two years, having helped the team win the UEFA Europa League last May. He also found the net in the 3-0 victory over Freiburg in the final, giving Aston Villa its first major European title since 1982. The 23-year-old has scored 31 goals in 125 appearances for Aston Villa since joining from Middlesbrough in 2024, and made his international debut for England later that year.

Rogers played in seven of England's eight World Cup matches, which the Three Lions finished in third place. He also had his best domestic season last season, scoring 10 goals in the Premier League. Chelsea, who finished tenth in the Premier League last season, begin their new campaign away to Fulham on August 24.