Chelsea stunned as Liverpool hold talks over blockbuster €115m transfer

Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith
  • 16 Feb 2026 10:26 GMT
  • 4 min read
Liam Rosenior, Arne Slot, Chelsea, Liverpool
© IMAGO

Liverpool have reportedly held talks with Aston Villa superstar Morgan Rogers ahead of a potential pursuit during the 2026 summer transfer window.

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The England international recently penned a new long-term contract at Villa Park, however he continues to be linked with an exit and he is expected to be at the heart of a transfer bidding war later this year.

Current ETV
Player image Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers

AM (C), M (CR)

A. Villa logo

A. Villa

Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers

AM (C), M (CR)

A. Villa

A. Villa

€59.7M

ETV Range

€53.7M - €65.6M

The former Middlesbrough attacker has been identified as a top target by Chelsea, while Manchester United have also been touted as a potential destination in recent weeks amid concerns that club captain Bruno Fernandes may depart Old Trafford this summer.

Chelsea reportedly hold the strongest interest in Rogers’ signature, with the west London giants keen to sign a player capable of rotating with Cole Palmer, but they are set to face surprise competition from Liverpool.

That is according to transfer reporter IndyKaila, who posted on X: “Liverpool have held talks with Morgan Rogers' representatives and the door wasn’t shut on them. The player is open to all proposals in the summer.”

Rogers, who is valued at over €115 million (£100m) by Aston Villa, has registered 17 goal involvements in 37 matches across all competitions so far this season and although his new deal isn’t due to expire until 2031, Unai Emery’s side are set to receive numerous official approaches for his signature this summer.

Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa
© IMAGO - Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa

Analysis: Morgan Rogers to join Liverpool?

Liverpool’s reported interest in Rogers may come as a slight surprise following the arrival of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, with both players favouring an attacking midfield role.

The Reds also have Dominik Szoboszlai in their ranks, who was their most advanced midfielder during their Premier League title-winning season in 2024-25, however Rogers is capable of playing as a winger and could be viewed as a replacement for Cody Gakpo on the left.

RB Leipzig starlet Yan Diomande is being closely watched by the Liverpool hierarchy too, but Rogers may feasibly be prioritised over the Ivory Coast international due to his known pedigree in the English top flight.

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