Xabi Alonso issue emerges after Chelsea unveil Morgan Rogers: 'It could degenerate quickly'

Xabi Alonso holds the key to Morgan Rogers proving to be a successful signing for Chelsea.

That is according to former Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the England international has taken a big risk by moving to Stamford Bridge.

The 23-year-old has moved to West London in a British-record £117million deal that is set to come with plenty of attention attached this season.

Wyness believes that Alonso was a key factor in the player's decision to choose Chelsea, but has also warned that he must show strength of character to keep his squad in check.

The Blues have been operating with a bloated squad in recent years, and have several players who didn't feature often under previous managers.

They have moved for Rogers to try and take themselves to the next level in 2026-27, but Wyness is adamant that things could quickly unravel if Alonso doesn't hit the ground running.

Xabi Alonso at risk of Todd Boehly 'interference'

Villa's former chief Wyness - who served as CEO at Villa Park between 2016 and 2018 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs - believes that Alonso could potentially find himself struggling with "interference" from owner Todd Boehly in the coming months,

The American chief has backed the manager with a record-breaking transfer, but Alonso is now under pressure to create something "special" as a result.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness warned that Rogers' arrival certainly won't guarantee success next season.

"The only thing that's going to save him (Rogers), in making it a decent decision (to join Chelsea), is the fact that Alonso is a good man manager," he said.

"That's the only thing I can see that would really be a positive for him. Otherwise, think with him and Cole Palmer, I could see misbehaviour starting somewhere 

"I think it's going to be down to Alonso, and I have a huge respect for him as a manager, and I think he is the one that could make this work. There's no doubt Rogers has got talent, and Chelsea have got a squad now that needs to perform.

"So it's going to be down to Alonso; otherwise, I think it could degenerate quite quickly if things don't go right. What could go wrong as well is if the owners start interfering with Alonso and he just doesn't like that, 

"But I'm hoping he's got a strong enough personality to be able to create something quite special. So it's certainly not risk free for Morgan Rogers, put it that way."

Chelsea make approach for second England star

Football Insider revealed on Wednesday that Chelsea have registered their interest in centre-back John Stones after his departure from Manchester City.

The England international is a free agent after leaving the Etihad Stadium, and has already been linked with some of Europe's top clubs in recent weeks.

The 32-year-old is understood to be holding out for a two or three-year deal with his next club, which could potentially take him until he is 35.

Stones has faced difficulties with injuries in recent years, and started just five Premier League games for City throughout last season.