Aston Villa have sent a strong message to Europe’s elite club that hosts Morgan Rodgers, making it clear the 23-year-old winger is not for sale, at least not cheaply.
According to TEAMtalk, Villa are set to offer Rodgers a huge new contract that includes a release clause of close to £100m, effectively buying out some of the Premier League’s richest teams for the price.
The move represents a major signal of intent on the part of manager Unai Emery, who sees Rodgers as a key part of his long-term project.
Aston Villa plan to reward Morgan Rodgers with new contract
The new deal also doubles the former Manchester City academy graduate’s wages from £75,000 to £150,000 a week, making him one of the highest-paid players at Villa Park, alongside Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins.
Rodgers’ rapid rise to prominence under Emery is notable. After his impressive breakthrough last season, he continues to impress.
His versatility to play either on the wing or behind the striker makes him a key weapon in Villa’s attack.
It’s no wonder, then, that seven of Europe’s biggest clubs have shown interest. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have all made formal inquiries in recent months.
But Villa’s current nine-figure valuation effectively means those suitors have been warned, at least for the time being.
Rodgers is Villa’s biggest asset at the moment.
For Rodgers, a new contract is as much a statement of faith as it is a reward. Still only 23, he has emerged as one of England’s brightest young players in the Premier League.
Some of Europe’s leading players may continue to monitor his development, but Villa’s stance is adamant, with Rodgers at the heart of their ambitions. The Midlands club are now regular contenders for European qualification but are determined not to be bullied by big names and big budgets.
If Rodgers continues on his current trajectory, that £100m clause could someday look like a bargain.
But for now, Aston Villa have made their intentions clear and their prized asset is left alone.
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