We asked for your views on whether Aston Villa should cash in on Morgan Rogers with reports that he is wanted by other Premier League clubs and whether Manchester City’s Phil Foden could be a suitable replacement for him.
Here are some of your comments:
Joe: Villa should try their hardest to keep Rogers. Instead of “moving heaven and earth” to get Foden – who I don’t think is on Rogers’ level – they should move heaven and earth to keep Rogers. He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League at the moment, which is clear because of the interest he is getting. So keep Morgan.
Simon: In my heart, not a chance! However, that being said, look at how the money from selling Jack Grealish helped to transform us. Overall, I would hope Rogers gives us another season and then cash in if we qualify for Champions League football again. UTV.
Paul: Foden to replace Rogers? I sincerely hope not!
Prit: In a word, NO. Foden is a very good player but he is not as good as Rogers. The last time we brought in a player from Manchester City (Stephen Ireland as the makeweight in the James Milner sale), it was a disaster. Rogers has a five-year contract so there is no obligation to sell, but if he is to go, the price MUST be in excess of £125m, not the quoted “in excess of £80m” by certain journalists. In fact, Aston Villa should build a team around Rogers so we can seriously contend for senior honours.
Rob: I know Rogers has been inconsistent at times but we must not sell him because he’s one of only a few signings Unai Emery’s made that gets into his best XI. Otherwise our recruitment has been hit and miss. We struggled the season we sold Grealish for £100m, even with three expensive signings, and I could see us going the same way again if Rogers leaves this summer.
Luke: No thanks to Foden. Would be astronomically expensive wage-wise and he’s too lightweight. We need someone taller and stronger in that role – someone like Rogers.
MChopper: Villa should just get Foden anyway and keep Rogers. Job done. We need to grow, not stay the same.
Tony: Rogers isn’t going anywhere unless you’re looking at a record bid. He is the best young attacking midfielder in the Premier League based on output, but more his potential and physicality. So anything short of what was spent on Alexander Isak, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo is an insult. £150m and then maybe Villa will be tempted, but please stop with the £80m nonsense.