Aston Villa have been riding the crest of a wave under Unai Emery‘s management in recent years – but the Spanish coach’s incredible efforts in the dugout are being undermined by the Premier League‘s Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules.
The Midlands side face sanctions following issues with adhering to financial limits despite posting record-breaking revenue surpassing £390m for the 2024/25 season, as per Deloitte Football Money League 2026.
Despite their problems, the Villans are outsiders in the race for the Premier League title, the business months now looming large.
The team will need to draw upon individual brilliance while maintaining their total structure, and Morgan Rogers will prove key in that regard. But could financial difficulties jeopardise his long-term position at Villa Park?
Latest on Rogers’ Aston Villa future
Over the past few years, Rogers, 23, has grown into one of the Premier League’s finest. Praised for his “absolutely ridiculous” quality by analyst Ben Mattinson, fans would hope the England international stays put for many years to come.
Roger has been a constant in Emery’s attacking system. Last year, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher hailed him as “unstoppable” in front of goal, and that quality has not diminished during 2025/26.
But Rogers’ incredible form has drawn suitors from the top brass. Liverpool and Chelsea are both interested and have already held initial talks.
This is one of the best players in the Premier League, and Aston Villa will only let him leave for a significant figure.
|
Morgan Rogers’ Premier League Form |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stats (per 90) |
24/25 |
25/26 |
|
Matches (starts) |
37 (37) |
26 (26) |
|
Goals + Assists |
8 + 10 |
8 + 5 |
|
Touches* |
41.3 |
48.2 |
|
Shots (on target)* |
1.5 (0.5) |
2.2 (0.9) |
|
Accurate passes* |
17.6 (75%) |
21.0 (75%) |
|
Big chances created |
16 |
10 |
|
Key passes* |
1.4 |
1.3 |
|
Succ. dribbles* |
1.8 |
1.1 |
|
Ball recoveries* |
3.2 |
3.5 |
|
Tackles* |
1.2 |
1.1 |
|
Duels won* |
4.7 |
4.3 |
Indeed, previous reports have suggested his price tag has been set at £87m, and while NSWE will hope that that dissuades suitors, it’s unlikely that interest will disappear.
Why Emery has found the new Rogers
Last month, Ollie Watkins waxed lyrical about Rogers’ skills as a dynamic attacking midfielder, even claiming he has what it takes to play for a club such as Real Madrid.
If that came about, Emery would need to find a replacement, but luckily, he already has in Brazilian prospect Alysson, who joined the club from Gremo in the Brasileiro Serie A in January for a figure just shy of £11m.
Described as an “intense” player by Emery, Villa coaches have been swiftly impressed by the youngster’s pace and power. There is a lot of room for improvement, but his ceiling is high, and there’s plenty of cause for fans to be excited.
The 19-year-old made his first-team debut against Brighton & Hove Albion last time out in the Premier League, and though it was a cameo that yielded little in terms of standout moments, he showed energy and enthusiasm and a physical level that the Premier League will demand of him over the coming years.
Like Rogers, the prospect is comfortable on the wing but tends to play his best football as a number ten, playing off the centre-forward and creating chances and winning duels.
His 2025 campaign in his homeland underscored exactly that, with the teenager winning six duels per game on average while covering so much ground up and down the right channel.
Yet to find clinical form in front of goal, Alysson could just prove the complete package when he does so. In that, he would emulate Rogers, who only scored three goals from 16 matches after moving to Villa from Middlesbrough in February 2024.
The rest, as they say, is history.
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