New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has hailed Morgan Rogers as a “great signing,” expressing confidence that the England international will strengthen the Blues and form an exciting partnership with Cole Palmer.
Speaking ahead of his first game in charge—a pre-season friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers—Alonso said he was delighted to secure the 23-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Aston Villa in a British-record £117 million transfer.
“It’s a great signing. We needed an important player in that position, and I’m sure there were not many better options than Morgan,” Alonso said.
The Chelsea boss believes Rogers’ versatility and ability to play across multiple attacking roles will add quality and balance to his squad. He also expects the midfielder to build a strong understanding with Palmer, describing the duo as players capable of elevating Chelsea’s attacking play.
“I have a plan. I can see them linking really well. If we get the right balance and put our special players in the right positions, we’ll be more competitive both with and without the ball,” Alonso added.
Chelsea, who finished 10th in the Premier League last season, see Rogers’ arrival as a major statement of intent as Alonso begins his rebuilding project at Stamford Bridge.
