Liverpool and Chelsea Step Up Interest in Rogers
Liverpool and Chelsea are preparing to go head-to-head in January for Aston Villa’s versatile attacker Morgan Rogers, with both clubs keen to inject more creativity and directness into their forward lines. According to CaughtOffside, the 23-year-old is valued at around £70 million (€80 million), following a breakout campaign at Villa Park.
Rogers’ stock has risen rapidly since arriving at Aston Villa, with his performances catching the attention of scouts across Europe. Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane described him as a “nightmare” for defenders due to his unpredictable dribbling and relentless movement. His combination of physical strength, close control, and confidence in one-on-one situations makes him one of the most dangerous young attackers in the Premier League.
The England youth international has already shown that he can operate across the front line. Whether linking midfield to attack or running directly at defenders, his adaptability is what makes him particularly appealing to elite clubs such as Liverpool and Chelsea.
Why Liverpool Are Monitoring Rogers
Under Arne Slot, Liverpool have been eager to reshape their attacking patterns and increase productivity from midfield areas. Despite flashes of quality, the Reds have at times lacked consistency and invention in the final third. Florian Wirtz, who arrived with high expectations, has yet to fully impose himself on Premier League defences, while Alexis Mac Allister’s form has dipped amid a demanding fixture list.
Rogers’ profile aligns perfectly with what Slot appears to be building: a technically sharp, high-pressing side that can transition quickly and attack fluidly. His ability to operate between the lines and commit defenders could help unlock stubborn defences, particularly in matches where Liverpool’s current options have struggled to find space.
As one source explained, “Liverpool need more cutting edge in the midfield.” Rogers, who contributed 8 goals and 10 assists in the league last season, would undoubtedly offer that. His presence could also provide competition and balance in a forward unit adapting to the post-Diogo Jota era.
Chelsea’s Creative Dependence
Chelsea’s interest is similarly motivated by a need for attacking depth and creative balance. The Blues have improved under Enzo Maresca but continue to rely heavily on Cole Palmer for invention and goals. Bringing in Rogers would ease that burden, while also fitting Maresca’s fluid attacking philosophy.
“Adding Rogers would be a wise decision,” the report added, noting that his arrival could transform Chelsea’s forward play. The former Manchester City academy graduate has shown an impressive football intelligence, understanding when to hold width and when to cut inside to create overloads.
His development under Unai Emery has been impressive, and moving to a club like Chelsea could provide the next step in his career progression. As the report highlights, “His numbers could improve when he is playing for a better team.”
A Battle Between Two Ambitious Clubs
The January window could see a fierce tug-of-war for one of English football’s most promising stars. With both Liverpool and Chelsea seeking to challenge Manchester City at the top end of the Premier League, securing Rogers’ signature would represent both a statement of intent and a long-term investment.
The 23-year-old’s temperament and work ethic have also drawn praise within Villa Park, and it remains to be seen whether Aston Villa will even entertain offers. Emery’s side are keen to build around Rogers, but a bid nearing £70 million could test their resolve.
As one insider noted, “The opportunity to join some of the biggest clubs in the world will be quite exciting for him.” For Rogers, a move to Anfield or Stamford Bridge would not just bring prestige but also the platform to compete for major trophies and further his England ambitions.
Whatever happens, the race for his signature will underline how highly he is valued within English football circles. Liverpool and Chelsea rarely compete directly for the same profile of player, but in this case, both see Rogers as a potential game-changer.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Liverpool perspective, this pursuit makes perfect sense. Morgan Rogers looks every bit the type of player Arne Slot would admire. He is quick, confident in tight spaces, and capable of adapting to multiple roles across the attack. With Liverpool still evolving under Slot’s philosophy, adding someone with Rogers’ skill set could accelerate their creative rebuild.
The team’s transition since the tragic loss of Diogo Jota has highlighted the need for another direct, fearless forward. Rogers’ ability to drive at defenders and create space for others could fill that void. His energy also suits Slot’s pressing demands, and his technical maturity belies his age.
At £70 million, it is a substantial outlay, but Liverpool have spent big before on the right player. The signing of Luis Díaz in 2022 and Dominik Szoboszlai in 2023 both proved that smart investments in versatile attackers can pay off. Rogers feels like the next logical addition to maintain that attacking unpredictability.
Should Liverpool act decisively in January, they might not just outmanoeuvre Chelsea, but also secure a player capable of shaping their forward line for the next five years.
