Aston Villa Sign Morgan Rogers from Middlesbrough for £8m

Aston Villa has completed the signing of forward Morgan Rogers from Middlesbrough for a transfer fee of £8m. The 21-year-old predominantly plays as a winger and has impressed with seven goals and nine assists in 33 games for Championship club Boro this season. The England Under-20s international joined Middlesbrough last July from Manchester City, and after rejecting three previous bids, Aston Villa finally secured his services. Manchester City, the player’s former club, will receive a percentage of the transfer fee as part of a sell-on clause.

Aston Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, expressed his excitement about working with Rogers and believes that he will continue to progress under his guidance. Meanwhile, Villa forward Bertrand Traore is set to join La Liga club Villarreal on a free transfer after terminating his contract with Villa. Traore, who arrived at Villa from Lyon for £17m in 2020, has struggled with form and fitness during his time in the Premier League. Villa’s decision to let him go presents an opportunity for the 28-year-old to reignite his career in Spain with Villarreal, who are currently 14th in La Liga.

Aston Villa currently occupies the fourth position in the Premier League, sitting five points adrift of the top spot despite a recent dip in form. The club is also participating in the FA Cup, with a fourth-round replay against Chelsea scheduled, and has advanced to the last 16 of the Europa Conference League. Earlier in the transfer window, Villa signed another young talent, Stefan Mitrovic, for an undisclosed fee from Red Star Belgrade. However, Emery stated that he does not expect any further business before the winter transfer deadline for Premier League clubs on Thursday at 23:00 GMT.