In a revealing interview, Aston Villa's newest attacking talent Morgan Rogers has pulled back the curtain on the whirlwind transfer that brought him to Villa Park, detailing the pivotal moment manager Unai Emery personally called to convince him his future lay in Birmingham.
The 21-year-old forward, who completed a move from Middlesbrough in the January window, described a frantic 48 hours of intense negotiations before finally putting pen to paper. His journey to the top flight, however, was anything but conventional.
The Emery Effect: A Persuasive Phone Call
Rogers credits the personal touch from the decorated Spanish manager as the ultimate clincher. "He called me," Rogers revealed, emphasising the significance of the direct approach. Hearing Emery's vision for his development and the specific role he would play in Villa's system was a powerful motivator, convincing him this was the right step for his career.
Secret Sessions and a Stealthy Medical
As the deal hung in the balance, Rogers took matters into his own hands. To maintain his fitness amidst the uncertainty, he embarked on secret solo training sessions at Middlesbrough's facilities, often having to wait for the youth team to finish before he could use the pitches. The clandestine operation continued with a discreet medical in Birmingham, arranged with minimal fuss to ensure the transfer stayed on track.
From Loan Spells to Premier League Dreams
Rogers' path hasn't been a straight line to the top. After beginning his career at West Bromwich Albion, he moved to Manchester City and endured a series of loan spells at clubs like Lincoln City, Bournemouth, and Blackpool. It was his blistering form for Middlesbrough this season—scoring seven goals and providing nine assists—that truly announced his arrival and made him one of the most sought-after talents in the EFL.
Now, under the guidance of Unai Emery, Rogers is ready to make his mark on the Premier League, proving that sometimes the most dramatic transfers have the most compelling backstories.
