What £117m Morgan Rogers transfer means for Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea

Xabi Alonso could fit Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez into his Chelsea starting XI alongside Morgan Rogers next season.

That’s according to talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs, who has outlined how the Blues could shape up in midfield after they agreed a £117million deal to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.

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England international Rogers is currently undergoing his medical ahead of penning a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, with the option of a further year.

By moving to west London, the 23-year-old will become the most expensive British player in history.

The fee eclipses the £116m Manchester City forked out to sign his England teammate Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest during the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Chelsea also hijacked London rivals Arsenal by swooping for Rogers, who had been preparing a bid of their own.

The Blues have also held talks with Crystal Palace over a move for £55m-rated defender Maxence Lacroix.

Embarassment of riches

Rogers’ imminent move is a huge statement of intent from Chelsea, who have backed new boss Alonso by snapping up one of the Premier League’s most sought-after playmakers.

But his arrival could also signal a selection headache, with the Spaniard now tasked with accommodating three players who are keen on operating as No.10s.

While Rogers’ best role is in attacking midfield, Blues talisman Palmer has made this shirt his own since his arrival in 2023.

Meanwhile, Argentina World Cup star Fernandez has been known to play either as a box-to-box midfielder or further forward behind the striker, and Alonso has already confirmed he would like to work with him, despite being heavily linked with a summer exit.

Three’s a crowd?

talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs insists there is a way that Chelsea can start all three attack-minded midfielders together, regardless of whether Alonso opts for his preferred three-at-the-back set-up or not.

The reporter pointed to the Blues’ recent 3-1 win over Crawley in a behind-closed-doors friendly, highlighting their formation.

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Jacobs insisted Rogers’ and Palmer’s ability to operate on the left and right respectively is crucial, meaning one of the pair could feature out wide, with the other as a no.10, while Fernandez could revert to a deeper role.

But there also potential for Rogers and Palmer to play as two attacking midfielders, or have them either side of Fernandez in the no.10 role, with key man Moises Caicedo the holder.

Jacobs explained: “In pre-season, even though they’ve only played one game behind closed doors, Chelsea actually lined up in a 4-2-3-1. 

“So that would allow dispensation for Rogers and Cole Palmer, and of course, Enzo Fernandez to play together, plus Moises Caicedo.

“But you would think Enzo Fernandez is given more of a rigid role -don’t forget at Benfica, and when he was signed for Chelsea, he was a number six specialist. It was only at Chelsea that he was given far more freedom to get into the eight or the number 10 role.

“In addition, Rogers was actually pitched – given Alejandro Garnacho is expected to depart – as the left-sided starter or player.

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“Now, whether that means two No.10s and he’s the one on the left and Palmer’s the one on the right, or whether that means an out- and-out left winger, we’ll have to wait and see.”

Reece James conundrum

The possibilities don’t end there though, as Jacobs pointed out that Alonso could also look to play captain Reece James in midfield.

Former Blues boss Enzo Maresca previously deployed the natural right-back in this role, while Thomas Tuchel did the same at times during England’s recent World Cup campaign.

Jacobs continued: “Xabi Alonso’s preferred formation is a back three. Maybe he reverts to that as more players come in, in terms of the senior ones that are at the World Cup and new signings.

“And he starts to understand if he’s going to have full-back predominant players or more like a left-back and a right-back.

“We need to understand the role of Reece James in all of this as well – you would think right back. But Enzo Maresca, in particular, was a big fan of playing him in central midfield.”

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Room Fer everyone

While Jacobs insisted Chelsea will have to balance their books following Rogers’ arrival by selling some players, this does not mean offloading Fernandez.

The 25-year-old has been heavily linked to a dream move to Real Madrid, although the Spanish giants publicly shut down talk of this.

Fernandez’s future at Stamford Bridge remains unclear though, but Jacobs explained there are other ways for the Blues to recoup the Rogers money, rather than selling their £120m-rated star.

He told talkSPORT: “There will be Chelsea outgoings as well. But I’m led to believe, even though Enzo Fernandez has got a question mark over his future, it’s not as simple as concluding that Chelsea need to sell Fernandez for £120m to offset the Morgan Rogers arrival. 

“It’s more that Chelsea will have several outgoings that allow them to move this aggressively in the market.

“But in a perfect world, I think Chelsea would like Enzo Fernandez to stay.”