Unai Emery responds as Aston Villa confirm first Deadline Day transfer

Aston Villa have announced the signing of Morgan Rogers from Middlesbrough for a fee of £8 million, rising to around £15 million with performance-based add-ons.

The 21-year-old, who was Unai Emery's top target in the winter window, was difficult to acquire as Middlesbrough turned down three initial offers. A deal was eventually struck, though, and season-long target Rogers has completed his move to Villa Park.

A product of West Bromwich Albion's academy, the attacker has made a return to the West Midlands three years after departing for Manchester City. Rogers played 37 times for the Cityzens at youth level before loans at Lincoln City, Blackpool and AFC Bournemouth.

The versatile forward, who can play on either flank or through the centre, earned a £1.5 million transfer to Middlesbrough in July 2023. Rogers rocketed that valuation with a stunning start to the season as he contributed seven goals and eight assists in all competitions for Boro.

Emery is delighted with the signing, who he hopes can become a key player for the Villans in the future. "We analysed him and we followed him with a scout and as well when we played against Middlesbrough [in the FA Cup]," Emery revealed on Tuesday.

"He can start his new chapter here. We are motivated and excited to work with him. He’s a young player, he can adapt to our style of play. Hopefully he can start working with us and exploiting his qualities as a player," Emery told Birmingham World.