How Chelsea will line up with Morgan Rogers

19 Jul 2026 11:54 BST | 5 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

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Morgan Rogers is set to officially become a Chelsea player within the next week after a full agreement was reached with Aston Villa on a deal worth a British record €138 million.

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The 23-year-old will undergo a medical once he returns to England following his exploits at the World Cup, before signing a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge with the option for a further 12 months.

Current ETV

Morgan Rogers

M (CL)

A. Villa

Morgan Rogers

M (CL)

A. Villa

ETV Range

€58.6M - €71.7M

FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal were the frontrunners for Rogers’ signature, with the England star open to joining the Gunners, but Mikel Arteta’s side were unwilling to match Villa’s asking price and this allowed Chelsea to swoop.

Rogers will become the most expensive British player in history when his move to Chelsea is announced and he will link up with close friend Cole Palmer at Stamford Bridge once he joins pre-season training after a well-earned break following an arduous 2025-26 campaign that concluded with his participation at the World Cup.

Chelsea have been chasing a deal for Rogers for several months and while the fee is extortionate, it is a major statement of intent from the Blues hierarchy as they look to bounce back from a hugely disappointing 10th-placed finish last term.

But, how will Rogers fit in at Chelsea and where will new manager Xabi Alonso look to utilise his skillset?

© IMAGO - Morgan Rogers is set to join Chelsea

How Chelsea will line up with Morgan Rogers

Goalkeeper has been a problem position at Chelsea for years, but they seem highly unlikely to strengthen their options in between the sticks this summer and Robert Sanchez therefore looks set to retain his place as the club’s first-choice shot-stopper.

However, back-up goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen is expected to be sold and the Spaniard will therefore face competition from youngster Mike Penders, who is primed to eventually become Chelsea’s number one after an impressive loan spell at Strasbourg last season.

It remains to be seen what formation Alonso will prefer at Stamford Bridge next term and there are suggestions that he may opt to deploy the same 4-2-3-1 system that both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior favoured in 2025-26.

But, the Spaniard used a 3-4-3 formation to great success at Bayer Leverkusen and it’s a shape that would suit Chelsea’s squad to a tee.

Reece James’ injury issues could be negated by playing a more reserved right-sided centre-back role, while Jorrel Hato is perfectly suited to playing on the opposite side, with Levi Colwill in the middle.

In addition, summer signings Marco Palestra and Geovany Quenda both have extensive experience at wing-back and would provide immense pace down the flanks, which is something that Alonso’s system requires. Pedro Neto would be an alternative to the latter on the left.

A double pivot of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez hasn’t always worked during their time together at Chelsea, but the protection of three defenders behind them would certainly help and the pair seem likely to be favoured by Alonso following the sale of Andrey Santos to Manchester United.

STATS

Morgan Rogers

M (CL)

A. Villa

Morgan Rogers

M (CL)

A. Villa

55

Games
14

Goals
11

Assists

Meanwhile, the arrival of Rogers means there is a possibility that Chelsea could field a hugely exciting front three of Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and the England superstar, with Estevao Willian utilised as a substitute.

Alonso could also bring Estevao into his starting XI in a 4-2-3-1 system, with Rogers used as an auxiliary left winger, and this tactical flexibility may prove crucial throughout the season. However, a 3-4-3 formation looks as though it would suit Chelsea’s squad best on paper.

Chelsea starting XI with Morgan Rogers

GK: Robert Sanchez

CB: Reece James

CB: Levi Colwill

CB: Jorrel Hato

RWB: Marco Palestra

CM: Moises Caicedo

CM: Enzo Fernandez

LWB: Geovany Quenda

CAM: Cole Palmer

CAM: Morgan Rogers

ST: Joao Pedro

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