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Aston Villa fans upset as new Chelsea talks underway – ‘Bigger loss than Morgan Rogers’

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

25 Jul 2026, 3:30 pm

Aston Villa fans were horrified to learn that renowned set-piece coach Austin MacPhee is in talks with Chelsea over a potential move.

Reports have emerged that the Blues are aiming to secure the signature of the 46-year-old, with numerous Premier League and Saudi Pro League sides also in the race.

MacPhee has built a massive reputation at Villa Park, with the coach turning the club into one of the most formidable sides in Europe from dead balls.

If all goes through, he would be yet another member of the Birmingham outfit’s backroom staff to leave this summer, but the club would receive compensation due to his contract having a specified release clause.

Nevertheless, Aston Villa fans do not want to see MacPhee leave this summer after all his positive work at the club.

Chelsea and Villa have already completed multiple deals between the two clubs this summer, with Morgan Rogers going to Stamford Bridge, while Alejandro Garnacho moved to Villa Park.

Aston Villa fans fear Austin MacPhee departure

In recent years, Aston Villa have been excellent at set pieces.

In the 2023-24 campaign, the Birmingham outfit scored more goals from dead balls than any other team in Europe's top five leagues.

Since then, they have remained formidable, which came in handy when they won the Conference League last season.

As a result, when BBC Sport reported that Chelsea were in talks to poach MacPhee this summer, Villa fans were horrified.

Many took to X to express their fear that the coach could leave, insisting that it would be a massive loss.

Can’t lie we may be in trouble
— AndreasH (@AndreasH1874) July 24, 2026

Oddly, this hurts way more than Rogers to Chelsea
— TCR (@TeeCeeArr7) July 24, 2026

bigger loss than rogers pic.twitter.com/YJTNXzyFps
— Max 🇦🇹 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿  (@maxavfclove) July 24, 2026

Really big loss. Hard to replace. 🫠
— ash (@KostaCoffeee) July 24, 2026

Chelsea have rinsed us this summer. They’ll be a serious title challenger next season
— adam (@HeresAdamm) July 24, 2026

So many changes this season. Its a worry.
— Craigy1874 (@cje1874) July 24, 2026

Okay I could live with Rogers going but this one is gonna be a challenge to replace.
— Josh (@Jannetts_) July 24, 2026

Aston Villa fans say the same thing about completing Alejandro Garnacho deal

What other business could Asto Villa do this summer?

Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Aston Villa are looking to sign James Garner this summer.

The Everton midfielder heavily impressed last season as the club just missed out on European football.

Villa are long-term admirers of Garner, and have identified him as a midfield target for this summer.

Everton are in a good position to keep hold of the 25-year-old after he signed a new contract until 2030 in January.

However, it remains to be seen if the Birmingham outfit can get a deal over the line in the coming weeks as the transfer window nears its end.

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