Morgan Rogers sends emotional 10-word message as Aston Villa exit confirmed
Morgan Rogers has long been linked with a departure from Villa Park as the superstar goes from strength to strength under Unai Emery.
Even more than Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez, Rogers has emerged as Aston Villa’s most important player, currently sitting on eight goals and six assists for the 2025-26 season.
Unsurprisingly, a war has started for the 23-year-old’s signature, with several Premier League clubs wanting to sign the Villa star, but it could take quite a hefty fee to move the Villans.
Emery’s side are doing business in January, though, with both Alysson and Brian Madjo joining for the second half of the campaign, with one outgoing also being confirmed.
Despite playing such a crucial role, Villa have confirmed the departure of Donyell Malen, who has joined Roma on a £21.6million deal, and some are more emotional than others about the exit.
Morgan Rogers bids farewell to Donyell Malen
Taking to Instagram stories (16 January), clearly emotional about Malen’s departure to Roma, the England star wrote: “Gonna miss you, my brother. Wish you all the best,” with heart emojis.
The duo were forming a very good relationship on the pitch, with Rogers sometimes assisting the Dutchman at Villa Park, and the two clearly were good friends behind the scenes as well.
However, Rogers could soon be playing with Tammy Abraham, if supporters’ beliefs are correct, but it will be very difficult to fill the void left by Malen’s departure.
During his time at Villa Park, Malen made 46 appearances, notching 10 goals and two assists in that time, becoming a much more important player during his second season in the Midlands.
Why have Aston Villa let Malen go in January?
Some might presume that Malen’s departure has something to do with PSR and balancing the books, but it appears to be a much more personal reason than expected.
It is understood that the decision is purely football-related, with the 26-year-old wanting more games as a No.9, with Emery regarding him more as a second striker behind Watkins.
There is no doubt that the Dutchman is more prolific through the middle than on the right wing, so if Villa can find a suitable replacement this month, it might be a deal that makes sense for all parties.
Other than Watkins, the manager has very few experienced options through the middle, so it is vital for the Villans’ Premier League aspirations that they bring in someone before the transfer window closes.
Of course, it would be absolutely crushing should Rogers finally seal a move away, but there are very few clubs which could actually afford to prize him away from Villa Park.