Xabi Alonso expects R2.61 billion signee Morgan Rogers to elevate Chelsea's competitiveness alongside Cole Palmer. Photo: AFP
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso on Monday said Morgan Rogers was "a great signing" who would make the club more competitive, expecting the England midfielder to "link really well" with Cole Palmer.
The versatile Rogers was signed from Aston Villa last week for £117 million (about R2.61 billion), a record for a British player. Alonso said he was "delighted" to lure the 23-year-old to Stamford Bridge ahead of his first match in charge, a pre-season friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday.
"It's a great signing. I think that in that position, we needed an important player, and I'm sure that there were not many better options than Morgan," the Spaniard said.
"So, we are delighted. It means a lot for everyone."
