{"id":19284,"date":"2026-07-20T18:40:36","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T18:40:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=19284"},"modified":"2026-07-20T18:40:36","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T18:40:36","slug":"crazy-money-chelseas-rogers-deal-questioned-by-merson-read-chelsea-f-c","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=19284","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Crazy money\u2019 \u2013 Chelsea\u2019s Rogers deal questioned by Merson – Read Chelsea F.C."},"content":{"rendered":"


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Paul Merson has questioned Chelsea\u2019s decision to spend \u00a3117m on Morgan Rogers, claiming Xabi Alonso already has two leading players for his preferred position.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chelsea have agreed a British-record fee with Aston Villa for the England international, who is expected to sign a six-year contract with the option of another season.<\/p>\n

However, Merson believes the Blues have prioritised an area already containing Cole Palmer and Jo\u00e3o Pedro.<\/p>\n

Writing in his latest Sky Sports column, the former Arsenal midfielder described the fee as \u201ccrazy money\u201d and questioned where Rogers will play at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udea8Paul Merson:<\/p>\n

“I just can’t see where Rogers plays.”<\/p>\n

“It’s a lot of money. Crazy money. Bringing Morgan Rogers in for \u00a3117 million isn’t what Chelsea needed.”<\/p>\n

“They’ve got Cole Palmer! They play in the same position!”<\/p>\n

(@SkySportsPL) #CFC pic.twitter.com\/joPPBTBJAe<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Chelsea Dodgers (@TheBlueDodger) July 20, 2026<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Merson questions where Rogers fits<\/h2>\n

Merson views Rogers as a number ten rather than a natural winger.<\/p>\n

The 23-year-old produced his best football for Villa when carrying possession through central areas and attacking space between midfield and defence.<\/p>\n

Palmer has also been most influential when operating behind the striker. Merson believes moving either player permanently to the right could reduce their impact.<\/p>\n

Jo\u00e3o Pedro creates another selection decision. The Brazilian can lead the attack, but he also prefers dropping away from the centre-backs and becoming involved in Chelsea\u2019s build-up play.<\/p>\n

Those concerns are understandable. Chelsea are committing a club-record fee to a player whose strongest position overlaps with their leading creator.<\/p>\n

However, Alonso is unlikely to view Rogers, Palmer and Jo\u00e3o Pedro as three players competing for one place.<\/p>\n

Alonso can create roles for Rogers and Palmer<\/h2>\n

Alonso regularly used two attacking midfielders behind a central striker at Bayer Leverkusen.<\/p>\n

A similar structure could place Rogers on the left and Palmer on the right, with Jo\u00e3o Pedro or Liam Delap leading the attack. Rogers would then receive opportunities to drive inside without being restricted to the touchline.<\/p>\n

Sky Sports\u2019 initial analysis of Chelsea\u2019s agreement described him as a wide number ten who could fill the opening on the left side of Alonso\u2019s attack.<\/p>\n

Palmer would remain close to goal and retain the freedom to move centrally. Rogers could provide the powerful running Chelsea often lacked when opponents disrupted their passing rhythm.<\/p>\n

ReadChelsea\u2019s account of Chelsea\u2019s rapid move to beat Arsenal to Rogers reported that Alonso presented the player with a clear tactical plan.<\/p>\n

Rogers choosing Chelsea without European football suggests his intended role formed an important part of those discussions.<\/p>\n

\u00a3117m fee leaves little room for patience<\/h2>\n

The tactical fit can work, but the fee places immediate pressure on Rogers.<\/p>\n

He scored 14 goals and supplied 11 assists for Villa last season. Chelsea will expect similar production from his first campaign rather than treating him as a long-term development signing.<\/p>\n

Merson also raised doubts about how Rogers will perform against opponents who defend deep at Stamford Bridge. Much of his best work has arrived in open matches where he can carry the ball over long distances.<\/p>\n

Alonso must help him become more effective in crowded areas. Quick combinations with Palmer, aggressive movement beyond the striker and improved decision-making around the penalty area will be important.<\/p>\n

Rogers will also need to adapt to the scrutiny attached to becoming Britain\u2019s most expensive player. Every quiet performance will bring renewed discussion of the fee.<\/p>\n

Chelsea have already received another warning over the \u00a3117m valuation, with Zlatan Ibrahimovi\u0107 questioning whether Rogers has produced enough to justify the cost.<\/p>\n

Merson\u2019s criticism should not be dismissed. Chelsea have spent an enormous amount on a player entering an attack already containing Palmer, Jo\u00e3o Pedro and Est\u00eav\u00e3o.<\/p>\n

Yet the deal does not automatically leave Rogers without a position. Alonso has a system capable of placing him alongside Palmer rather than forcing the pair to compete.<\/p>\n

Chelsea now need the manager\u2019s tactical plan to justify a record-breaking investment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n