Alonso: Rogers and Palmer can play together at Chelsea
By BBC, July 27, 2026Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says he has a “plan” to play club-record signing Morgan Rogers alongside Cole Palmer – and believes the England international will make an “instant impact”.
The midfielder became the most expensive British player of all-time when he moved from Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge last week.
The 24-year-old is on holiday after playing for England at the World Cup, while Chelsea have begun their pre-season tour in Sydney.
Istant impact
“In that position we needed an important player and I’m sure there were not many better options than Morgan Rogers,” Alonso said.
“You need players who can have that almost instant impact and I’m sure Morgan won’t need much time to adapt to the club, the system and his team-mates,” Alonso said.
“That was the idea, to get a top player, and Morgan is one of them.”
Rogers has signed a six-year contract with Chelsea, with an option for a further year.
Alonso insisted he will be ready, despite not yet taking part in pre-season training, and believes he will be compatible with fellow England international Palmer.
Rogers-Palmer bromance
The pair describe each other as being among their “best friends in football”, with Rogers saying they would love to play together.
“I have a plan. I have an idea. I can see them linking really well,” Alonso said of the pair.
“We need to have a good mix. If we get that balance right and those special players in the right positions, with good control, then we will be more competitive with and without the ball.”
Blues are set to kick off their pre-season tour in Australia at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, where they first face Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Australia tour
After the clash with the Australian outfit, the Blues will remain in Sydney; they take on London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, August 1, in a high-profile friendly at the same venue.
Following the Australian leg, Chelsea travel to Asia for three fixtures in quick succession. They face Serie A giants Juventus on Wednesday, August 5,2026 at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong as part of the Hong Kong Football Festival.
Premier league start
Chelsea will kick off the month’s engagement by welcoming AFC Bournemouth at the Bridge on Saturday, October 10, 2026.