'I’d be very surprised' - Aston Villa backed to keep 22-year-old by former scout amid swap deal claim

Aston Villa could do with bringing in some more bodies over the coming months. They need to have plenty of competition and depth in their squad to help deal with the increased fixture workload that being in Europe brings about. The Midlands will compete in the Europa League next season.

They missed out on a place in the Champions League last term after finishing outside the top five. Unai Emery has been in charge at Villa Park since his appointment back in 2022. Prior to his move, he had spells with the likes of PSG, Arsenal and Villarreal.

Aston Villa transfer update regarding Morgan Rogers

Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers has been linked with an exit this summer. A swap deal with Chelsea for striker Nicolas Jackson, who worked with Emery at Villarreal, has been mentioned. However, ex-Villa scout Bryan King has poured cold water on the chances of that happening.

King has said, as per a report by Villa News: “I’d be very surprised if Aston Villa let Rogers go. He’s a central part of their team. It would take more than Jackson and money for them to ship him out, I think. It can’t be a straight swap, that’s for sure, because Rogers is worth twice the money of Jackson.”

Rogers, 22, has been a key player for his current club over recent times and is one of their most prized assets. Villa would have a decision to make if a big money bid came in for him. He has a lot of time left to run on his contract so they would be under no pressure to cash in on him anytime soon unless a bid that they couldn’t refuse came in for his signature.

Aston Villa story so far for Morgan Rogers

Aston Villa signed Rogers back in the winter of 2024 to boost their attacking ranks. They took a gamble on him after being alerted to his attention in the Championship at Middlesbrough. He has since turned out to be an inspired acquisition.

The England international, who has made four caps for the Three Lions, has scored 17 goals in 70 games altogether. The ex-West Brom youngster joined Manchester City in 2019 and was loaned out by Pep Guardiola’s side to Lincoln City, AFC Bournemouth and Blackpool to get some experience under his belt.

After joining Villa, he said at the time: “I had a conversation with him (Emery) briefly, getting to know him and what he’s about, his goals and the way he is as a manager. I’m looking forward to working with him because I feel like he can get the best out of me.”

He added: “With the way that the team has started this season, I want to add to that and just try to improve myself. I want to put myself in the best possible position to get to the top. With the manager and the players that are here and the way the club is going, it’s only going to get better.”