What will 117 million pounds Morgan Rodgers bring to Chelsea for Xabi Alonso?

Palmer first celebrated his ‘cold’ in December 2023 after scoring twice in a 3-2 win at Luton.

After scoring two goals against Luton, he took ownership of the celebrations by registering a trademark with the UK Intellectual Property Office.

However, it was first a tribute to Rodgers as Middlesbrough celebrated after scoring against West Brom.

It was after he moved to local club West Brom. Manchester City Rogers first befriended Palmer. Both were 16-years-old and soon became attacking stars in City’s 2020 FA Youth Cup-winning under-18 side.

joining Chelsea It should ease Rodgers’ transition. He already knows Levi Colwill and Reese James in the England set-up, while Tosin Adarabio, Jamie Gittens, Romeo Lavia and Liam Delap all came through City’s academy system.

That England international is a big part of the club’s management team, along with Enzo Fernandez and Moise Caicedo.

However, the most important thing is football and where Rodgers fits into the team, especially Palmer is the same type of player.

Rodgers was among the players selected by England manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of Palmer for this summer’s World Cup, but their versatility means they can play either one or the other position.

One source suggests Rodgers will primarily play on the left, with Palmer operating centrally as a number 10. That will feature Estevao Willian, Pedro Neto and new signing Giovanni Cunda on the right and Jamie Gittens as the understudy.

Chelsea They may use a back four at times next season, but they are exploring a three-back system that proved disastrous when Alonso won the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich in 2024.

That could allow Palmer and Rodgers to play together as two number 10s, while the wingers are asked to operate in deeper wing-back roles. The Spaniard is considering a number of tactical options ahead of the start of the season.

Chelsea He had a number of struggles last season, one of which was a five-game scoreless streak under former head coach Liam Rosenier, which led to his sacking.

Rodgers has 14 goals and 12 assists in 55 games this past season, so he adds more firepower.

Looking at the wide group and thinking of wing anchor Alejandro Garnacho is sold as planned, Chelsea Without European football, there would be six strikers competing for three forward positions a season. They also have five veteran strikers – Joao Pedro, Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap, Emmanuel Imega and Marc Guillaume – on their books.

After last season’s 10th place finish, it’s clear that the team needs some trimming, especially Chelsea If they reach both domestic cup finals, they can play a maximum of 51 matches.