Xabi Alonso backs record signing Morgan Rogers to transform Chelsea attack alongside Cole Palmer

Xabi Alonso says Chelsea’s British-record signing Morgan Rogers will make his side “more competitive” and believes the new arrival can form a potent partnership with Cole Palmer as the club prepare to open their pre-season schedule in Australia.

Rogers, 23, joined from Aston Villa last week for £117m (about R2.61bn), the highest fee ever paid for a British player. The move represents Chelsea’s biggest statement yet under Alonso, after a season in which they finished 10th in the Premier League and failed to qualify for European competition.

Speaking on Monday, the new Chelsea head coach described Rogers as “a great signing” and said he was “delighted” to secure the England midfielder before his first match in charge – a pre-season friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday.

“In that position, we needed an important player, and I’m sure that there were not many better options than Morgan,” Alonso said. “So, we are delighted. It means a lot for everyone.”

Record-breaking deal and tactical plans

Rogers’ versatility in attacking midfield was a key factor in Chelsea’s pursuit. Alonso must now work out how to fit him into a squad already featuring Palmer, Pedro Neto, Estevao Willian and fellow close-season recruit Geovany Quenda in similar positions.

“I have a plan. I have an idea. I can see them linking really well,” Alonso said when asked specifically about pairing Rogers with Palmer. The two players, who are close friends, are regarded as having complementary, creative styles.

“You need to have a good mix, good stability players, and players that can play with more freedom,” Alonso added.

“And if we get that balance right, and we get those special players in the right positions, with good control, I think that we will be more competitive with the ball and against the ball.”

Chelsea had been tracking Rogers for two years and ultimately beat Arsenal to his signature, with the Premier League champions unwilling to match Aston Villa’s valuation.

The fee eclipsed the previous British transfer record set earlier this month when Manchester City paid £116m (R2.58bn) to sign England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.

De Zerbi demands ‘soul and passion’ in Spurs rebuild

While Chelsea and Alonso look to ignite a new era at Stamford Bridge, London rivals Tottenham are undergoing their own reconstruction under Roberto De Zerbi after narrowly avoiding relegation last season.

Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League, surviving only on the final day, and have responded with an aggressive recruitment drive aimed at reshaping the squad.

Midfielders Mateus Fernandes from West Ham and Sandro Tonali from Newcastle have arrived for substantial fees, while De Zerbi has also turned to his former club Brighton to bring in centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.

Tottenham have further strengthened with a series of free transfers, signing full-back Andy Robertson, centre-back Marcos Senesi and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka as part of a broad overhaul.

De Zerbi, speaking in Sydney on a pre-season tour, set out his expectations for the new campaign, which begins later this month.

He said he wanted to “build a new team with the qualities, with big players, but with soul, with passion, with all the values we have”.

The Italian argued that modern football demands total commitment beyond the 90 minutes on the pitch.

“Football now is not just on the pitch, it’s not just with the ball, it’s before, it’s in life. It’s how many hours during the day you think about your job,” he said.

More signings expected at Spurs

De Zerbi also hinted that Tottenham’s summer business is not yet complete and that further additions are likely before the transfer window closes.

“I think we can be happier at the end of this transfer market because I spoke a lot with the owner, with the board and they want to build a very strong team for this season, to make the days for the future become great again,” he said.

As Chelsea unveil the most expensive British player in history and Tottenham continue their extensive rebuild, both London clubs are using this pre-season tour in Australia to showcase ambitious plans after disappointing domestic campaigns.