Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says he has a clear plan to use record £117m signing Morgan Rogers alongside Cole Palmer and expects the England international to make an immediate impact.
Rogers, 24, became the most expensive British player ever after moving from Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge last week. He is currently on holiday following his World Cup involvement with England, while Chelsea have begun their pre-season tour in Sydney.
“In that position we needed a major addition, and there weren’t many better options than Morgan,” Alonso said. “You want players who can influence games right away, and I’m sure he won’t take long to adapt to the club, our system, and his team-mates. That was the goal: to bring in a top player — and Morgan is one.”
Rogers has signed a six-year contract with an option for a further year. Alonso insists he will be ready despite not yet joining pre-season training and believes he’ll fit seamlessly with fellow England international Palmer. The pair regard each other as among their closest friends in football and have both expressed a desire to play together.
“I have a plan and a clear idea — I can see them linking really well,” Alonso added. “We need the right blend. If we find that balance and put our special players in the right areas with good control, we’ll be more competitive with and without the ball.”