Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has sparked debate by claiming that Morgan Rogers transfer value still needs to be proven, despite the midfielder delivering an exceptional start to life at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking in an interview, Johnson expressed caution over the midfielder’s massive valuation, stating that a player cannot be judged as world-class based on just a handful of matches.
“I’m not totally sold just yet on Morgan Rogers. Obviously he’s a great player, and he’s done very well, but you don’t become a world-class player in six games. I’m not saying he can’t go on to do that, but you definitely need to do it for a number of seasons, and for the whole season.”
“He’s looked great, he’s got a huge price tag. I wouldn’t say he’s gone down as the best signing yet. Listen, if we’re sat here at the end of the season and he’s scored twenty odd goals and Chelsea have had a great season, then fair play. But to start making those calls after six games, I think it would be very premature.”
“The price tag plays a role, of course, especially as Chelsea didn’t need to spend that kind of money in that position.
Lacroix, the centre-back, they needed him more, and he was £52m. To me, that was a better signing because you needed that position more and you’ve done clever business by getting him for around £50 million.”
“I know attacking players naturally have a higher price tag and that’s not Morgan’s fault. In terms of a £117 million signing, you kind of expect four goals (so far this season). Which is kind of a pressure on him he doesn’t deserve because he didn’t choose the price tag.
All he can do is keep improving his game and let everybody talk around him and not get pulled into it.”
“Maybe I am saying that because it was £117 million, but he still has plenty to prove. But listen, I hope I’m wrong, and he scores 20-odd goals and continues to do it for four or five years, and I’ll say he’s worth every penny.”
Incredible Form on the Pitch
Despite the scrutiny, it is difficult to see what more the 24 year-old could do to convince his critics. Rogers has recorded 4 goals and 4 assists in his first 8 appearances since joining from Aston Villa over the summer, maintaining an incredible average of one goal contribution per match.
This prolific form is hardly a surprise. Rogers maintained phenomenal numbers over the previous two campaigns, registering 30 total goal contributions (14 goals, 16 assists) during the 2024/25 season and following it up with 26 contributions (14 goals, 12 assists) last year.
Based on his current trajectory, he is well positioned to surpass both milestones.
How Other Summer Signings Compare
While Johnson argued that centre-back Maxence Lacroix (£52m) addressed a more critical squad need, Lacroix has experienced a mixed start at Stamford Bridge, and injuries have limited Marco Palestra’s playing time.
Other additions like Jordan Henderson, Valentin Barco, and Pep Chavarria have shown flashes of quality when called upon, but Rogers remains the standout performer of the summer window.