Full Name: Morgan Elliot Rogers
Date of Birth: 26 July 2002
Place of Birth: Halesowen, England
Height: 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s): Forward
Current Club: Aston Villa
Jersey Number: 27
Not many footballers rise to the top quickly; some go through lengthy periods of development and struggle, while others may not make it at all. Some have the right platform, environment, and support to thrive, but there are few like Morgan Rogers, who dive into the deep end early and then start to grow their wings on the way up.
From childhood to the present day, Rogers continues to battle the challenges of the professional game, which is why we have gone back in time to uncover 9 interesting facts about his career from his youth days.
1. He Joined West Bromwich Albion at the U-9 Level at Age 8
Morgan Rogers began his football journey at a remarkably young age when he joined West Bromwich Albion's youth academy at just 8 years old. Hailing from Halesowen, a town in the West Midlands, Rogers showed early promise, and joining the Baggies at the U-9 level marked the beginning of a formative period in his career.
2. He Made His Professional Debut in February 2019
On 6 February 2019, Morgan Rogers made his professional debut for West Bromwich Albion in a match against Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup. At just 16 years old, Rogers was introduced as an 82nd-minute substitute for Wes Hoolahan. This debut highlighted his readiness to step up to the professional level, even though his appearance was brief.
3. He Moved to Man City in 2019 After Playing Against their Youth Team
Morgan Rogers signed with Manchester City on 1 August 2019, a transfer that followed his impressive performances against City’s youth team while playing for West Bromwich Albion in the FA Youth Cup semi-final.
His ability to make an impact in high-stakes youth matches did not go unnoticed and caught the attention of City's scouts. The move to Manchester City offered him the opportunity to develop further within one of the most prestigious academies in English football.
4. His Loan Spells, Particularly at Bournemouth, Significantly Improved His Game
While at Manchester City, Morgan embarked on several loan spells that played a crucial role in his development. In January 2021, he joined Lincoln City, where he immediately scored his first professional goal and earned the EFL Young Player of the Month award in March.
Later, he was loaned to AFC Bournemouth in August 2021, where he scored once in a Championship match. His subsequent loan to Blackpool in January 2023 saw him score a decisive goal against Norwich City.
Rogers once admitted that loneliness during loan spells made him reevaluate his attitude:
‘I was focusing on myself more rather than blaming other things. Bournemouth helped me to become more open to getting better.
‘When I went on these loans, you find out that there are levels above and that is where I found that out, needing to come with the same work rate, desire and attitude to be the best version of myself. I was focusing on myself more rather than blaming other things. Bournemouth helped me to become more open to getting better regardless of what people think of you.’
5. Before Aston Villa Approached, He Had Moved to Middlesbrough
Before joining Aston Villa on February 1 2024, Morgan Rogers made a significant move to Middlesbrough on 7 July 2023, for an undisclosed fee. His tenure at Middlesbrough was marked by notable performances, including scoring his first goal for the club in a pre-season friendly and his first competitive goal in an EFL Cup match.
Rogers’ contributions were instrumental in Middlesbrough’s run to the EFL Cup semi-finals, where he emerged as the top goalscorer of the competition. This successful spell with Middlesbrough demonstrated his growth and ability to perform at a high level, attracting interest from Premier League clubs.
Following his move to Villa, he told the club's official website: ‘When you grow up watching football when you’re younger, they’re the competitions you want to play in and you want to play at the top.’
6. Man City Included A Sell-on Clause in His Transfer To Middlesbrough
When Morgan Rogers transferred from Man City to Middlesbrough, the Cityzens included a sell-on clause in the agreement. This clause stipulated that City would be entitled to 25% of any future transfer fee if Rogers was sold from Middlesbrough to another club.
This clause was proof to City’s belief in Rogers' potential and their desire to benefit financially from his future success. It also reflected their expectation that he would continue to develop into a valuable asset in the footballing world.
7. He Has Worn the England Jersey at Every Youth Level, Up to U21
Morgan Rogers has proudly represented England at various youth levels, showcasing his talent on the international stage. He has worn the England jersey at under-15, under-16, under-17, and under-18 levels. His performances included a hat-trick for the under-17 team against Belgium and appearances in the 2019 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.
Additionally, Rogers debuted for the England U20s in September 2021 and later for the England U21s in March 2024. His continuous involvement in England’s youth teams highlights his consistent performances and the high regard in which he is held by the national selectors.
8. The Halesowen Native Can Play in Multiple Attacking Roles
Morgan Rogers, a native of Halesowen, is known for his versatility in attacking positions. He is capable of playing effectively across various roles in the attack, including as a winger, an attacking midfielder, or even as a forward.
This adaptability allows him to be a valuable asset, providing flexibility in tactical setups and the ability to exploit different defensive weaknesses. Rogers' ability to excel in multiple attacking roles is a significant advantage and makes him a dynamic and unpredictable footballer.
Following his performance in Villa’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on 24 August 2024, former Liverpool midfielder and now football pundit Jamie Redknapp lauded Rogers, suggesting he has the potential to match the exceptional talent of Jude Bellingham. Redknapp's praise underscored Rogers’ impressive skill set and hinted at a bright future, positioning him as a rising star who could soon make waves in the football world alongside established talents.
9. He has A Towering Presence at 6 ft 2'
Morgan Rogers, standing at an impressive 6 feet 2 inches, possesses a towering presence that distinguishes him on the football field. His height gives him a significant advantage in aerial duels, allowing him to challenge defenders and goalkeepers effectively during set-pieces and crosses.
This physical stature enhances his ability to win headers and contributes to his overall strength in attacking and defensive situations.
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