Thursday, 23 July 2026

ASTON VILLA JERSEYS ARE THE HOTTEST THING IN RWANDA | VISIT RWANDA


 

WHO IS BRIGHTON’S NIGERIAN £21.5 MILLION TEENAGER WONDER KID?

 

Zadok Yohanna at the Ikon Allah Football Academy. (Image: Ikon Allah football Academy)


Brighton snapped up Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna from Swedish side AIK Stockholm this summer.

The 18-year-old put pen to paper on a five-year deal reportedly worth around £21.5 million. It's a significant fee for such a young prospect.

Speaking about the transfer, Fabian Hurzeler said: “I’m looking forward to working with Zadok. Having seen his games and his attributes, he is a player that can impact games in the final third. 

“He’s still young, and will need time to adapt to the club and Premier League, but he’s an exciting player to watch and he brings the kind of creativity we know our fans will enjoy. 

“He’s dynamic, has pace and likes to take players on. His attributes and ability will be a real addition to our attacking options.”

Before making the move to Sweden, Yohanna came through the ranks at Nigeria's Ikon Allah Football Academy, where he first caught the attention of European scouts.

Ayi Muhammed, the man who took him under his wing at the Ikon Allah Football Academy in Nigeria, believes he will be a great investment.

Muhammed is president of the academy and said he felt like a second father to the winger, who left home at the age of 11 to learn his trade.

He speaks like a dad at times and a coach at others as he talks about Yohanna from the academy in Kaduna.

“I picked Zadok from the age of 11 and his family is like three to four hours’ drive away,” he said.

“I saw his potential from the age of 11. He has special qualities and in the next two years he must get the African Balon d’Or, before the age of 20.

“This is what he can do in England. In the English league you will see another different side.

“He is special. He has all the qualities. Skills, marking ability, he uses his head. Everything, Yohanna has it."

He made 18 appearances for AIK this season in the league and cup, scoring five goals and providing four assists.

Albion will be setting their targets high in the UEFA Conference League, and Yohanna is likely to feature. It's a competition he could shine in.

On the right wing, he will face stiff competition from Yankuba Minteh, but only if the Gambian talent stays at Brighton.

Reports suggest Liverpool are pushing for a Minteh move. If that happens, pressure will really be on the teenager.

- Henry Bryant

BATTLE IN THE ALPS! | TOUR DE FRANCE 🇫🇷 2026 | STAGE 18


 

RICHARD CARAPAZ CONCOURS STAGE 18 IN TOUR DE FRANCE ⁰

 

Richard Carapaz celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win Stage 18 of the Tour de France on Thursday.


Ecuador's Richard Carapaz climbed into the overall top 10 at the Tour de France with his Stage 18 victory in the Alps on Thursday.

Carapaz, 33, finished the mountainous 185.2-kilometer trek from Voiron to Orcieres-Merlette in 4 hours, 26 minutes and 21 seconds. He pulled away on the last ascent of the day and covered the final 3 kilometers solo.

Switzerland's Mauro Schmid was the runner-up for the second straight day, 45 seconds behind, and American Matteo Jorgenson placed third.

Carapaz moved into 10th place in the overall standings.

Four-time champion Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia still leads the competition by 4 minutes and 32 seconds over Belgium's Remco Evenepoel. Mexico's Isaac del Toro is third, followed by 19-year-old Frenchman Paul Seixas and Spain's Juan Ayuso.

Stage 19 on Friday is a 127.9-kilometer route through the mountains from Gap to Alpe d'Huez. The 113th edition of the Tour de France concludes on Sunday in Paris.

--Field Level Media

RED SOX WINNING STREAK AFFECTS MULTIPLE TEAMS TRADE DEADLINES

Jul 7, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) hits a single RBI against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images


The Red Sox’s winning streak is over. Its effect on the MLB trade deadline is not. Boston won 15 straight games, tied the franchise record and transformed itself from a potential seller into a team that now has to strengthen its roster. One loss to Baltimore does not undo that. The Red Sox have already changed the market.

Jarren Duran and Aroldis Chapman should now be off the table

A month ago, both made sense as trade candidates. Boston had a crowded outfield, Duran carried two additional years of club control, and Chapman looked like the most attractive rental reliever available. Moving either player could have brought back meaningful talent for 2027.

That argument disappeared when Boston started winning. Duran is helping a playoff push, while Chapman gives the Red Sox exactly what contenders spend July trying to acquire – a proven late-inning arm with the ability to close games and shorten postseason series. Trading either now would contradict everything the last three weeks revealed about this team.

The consequences extend beyond Boston


Jun 18, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (44) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images


Teams that viewed Duran as an attainable outfield upgrade must look elsewhere. Clubs searching for a closer can no longer assume Chapman will enter the market. That reduces supply, increases prices and strengthens the leverage of every remaining seller.

It also changes Craig Breslow’s job. He is no longer deciding how much of the roster to dismantle. He has to determine how aggressively to add without sacrificing the future that made Boston’s turnaround possible.

The Red Sox do not need a reckless blockbuster. They need another starter, bullpen depth and perhaps a right-handed bat capable of balancing the lineup.

Boston’s 15-game streak ended Wednesday night. Its deadline impact will last through August 3. The Red Sox are no longer one of the teams supplying contenders. They have become one of them – and every front office that expected to shop from Boston must adjust.

- Derek Antoine

FULL ON BOARD | SS12 PAJARI | WRC DELFI RALLY ESTONIA 2026


 

ESTORIL 2026 | DAY 3

 

KITZBUHEL 2026 | DAY 3


 

ARSENAL ANNOUNCE £34M WINGER SIGNING AMID 'GROUND-BREAKING PROGRESS' OVER STRICKER DEAL


Arsenal have confirmed the arrival of Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge and reportedly thundered towards the sensational signing of Atletico Madrid hitman Julian Alvarez.

Arsenal have already made Piero Hincapie’s loan move permanent for €40million (£34m) and signed goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer, and Tzolis has now become their third summer arrival. Mikel Arteta’s side have paid Club Brugge €40m/£34m to land Tzolis on a five-year contract.

The 24-year-old, who will wear the No 17 shirt at the Emirates, has replaced Leandro Trossard in Arteta’s squad. Trossard recently joined Besiktas for €20m (£17m).

Reacting to Tzolis’ capture, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta told club media: “We’re delighted to have completed the signing of Christos Tzolis.

“Christos is an extremely versatile attacking player who naturally operates on the left but is comfortable across the front line. He’s an excellent finisher with both feet, thrives in tight spaces, and possesses incredible technical ability.

“Christos has produced outstanding numbers in terms of goals and assists over the last three seasons, and he’s a player who will raise the technical level of our squad, while bringing positive energy, enthusiasm, and a strong mentality to our team.

“We’re confident Christos will make a significant contribution to our club, and we hope our supporters will enjoy watching him play in an Arsenal shirt.

“We look forward to sharing this exciting new chapter together.”

Arsenal remain on the hunt for a new striker and a second left winger to compete with Tzolis. They had earmarked Morgan Rogers for the latter role but were not willing to bid over £80m, with Chelsea ultimately snaring the Englishman for a huge £117m.

Arsenal are now targeting Bradley Barcola, Yan Diomande and Nico Williams instead.

Recent reports have suggested Arsenal have overtaken Barcelona in the chase for Argentina striker Alvarez, too.

Arsenal move into pole position for Julian Alvarez




CaughtOffside revealed on Tuesday that Arsenal have made ‘ground-breaking progress’ in their pursuit of Alvarez after Berta held talks with the player.

Atleti have also told Berta they would rather sell to Arsenal than LaLiga rivals Real Madrid or Barca, setting up a potential move to the Premier League worth €130-150m (£111-128m).

On Wednesday, Chelsea reporter Simon Phillips claimed the Blues could accidentally help Arsenal get closer to signing Alvarez.

He reported that Atleti are considering selling the 26-year-old to help fund a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

- James Holland

ZDENĚK CHOVANEC HAS PASSED AWAY

 


The FIA is deeply saddened by the passing of Zdeněk Chovanec, who completed in the FIA Formula 3 Championship back in 2021-2022.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Zdeněk’s family and friends.

- FIA

EPIC BREAKAWAY DAY! | TOUR DE FRANCE 🇫🇷 2026 | STAGE 17


 

SPRINGBOKS SQUAD | RUGBY 🏉


 

KEVIN KEEGAN | KING KEV | FOREVER ONE OF THE GAME'S GREATS

 


King Kev.

A football icon whose talent, charisma and passion transcended clubs, countries and generations.

Forever one of the game’s greats.

Kevin Keegan

1951–2026

TOUR DE FRANCE 🇫🇷 2026 | STAGE 18 ELEVATION & DISTANCE MAP


 

KITZBUHEL 2026 | DAY 3


 

Wednesday, 22 July 2026

TOUR DE FRANCE 🇫🇷 2026 | STAGE 17 CLASSIFICATION


 

INDIA'S STAR BATTER VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI REFLECTS ON HIS UNIQUE CONNECTION WITH HARARE AHEAD OF ZIM VS. INDIA T20I SERIES


India's star batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi reflects on his unique connection with Harare ahead of the ZIM vs IND T20I series (Image source: X)

  • Vaibhav Suryavanshi spoke about his special connection with Harare before the Zimbabwe T20I series.
  • Suryavanshi will look to bounce back in form as India take on Zimbabwe in a thrilling T20I series.

Table of Contents

  • Vaibhav Suryavanshi shares why Harare holds a special place in his heart
  • Zimbabwe name full-strength squad led by Sikandar Raza to challenge Men in Blue

Following back-to-back T20I series setbacks, reigning world champions India have arrived in Zimbabwe seeking a swift turnaround. The three-match T20I series kicks off on July 22 at the Harare Sports Club, and all eyes are firmly on 15-year-old batting phenom Vaibhav Suryavanshi. After a quiet start to his international career in England, the teenage prodigy is eager to regain his explosive rhythm on familiar ground.

Suryavanshi, India’s youngest senior international cricketer, faced a baptism of fire during his debut tour, posting scores of 14, 13, and 15 across three matches. However, returning to Harare offers the young left-handed opener a chance to reset his game at a venue where he produced one of the most memorable innings of his blossoming career.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi shares why Harare holds a special place in his heart

For Suryavanshi, stepping back onto the lush turf of the Harare Sports Club brings back overwhelming nostalgia. Just four months ago, the venue served as the backdrop for India’s triumph at the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, where Suryavanshi stole the spotlight with a breathtaking, match-winning performance.

In a video released by the BCCI ahead of the series opener, Suryavanshi expressed his excitement about returning to the historic venue:

“We are currently in Harare, Zimbabwe, and this is a very memorable ground for me. Just four months ago, we played the U-19 World Cup here and won it, so it’s a very special ground. Representing India is everyone’s dream, and it’s a truly special moment to return and play on such a great ground where we created history just four months ago. It is a wonderful feeling, so we will enjoy it.”

During that dramatic U-19 summit clash against England, Suryavanshi hammered a record-breaking 175 off just 80 deliveries. That masterclass included 15 fours and 15 sixes, propelling India to their sixth youth world title. Having already mapped out the pitch conditions and boundary dimensions from his previous stint, the teenager remains confident in applying those insights as India seek a dominant series victory.

Zimbabwe name full-strength squad led by Sikandar Raza to challenge Men in Blue

While Team India aim to test their tactical depth, hosts Zimbabwe are determined to capitalize on home advantage. Zimbabwe Cricket announced a formidable squad led by veteran all-rounder Sikandar Raza, balancing seasoned international experience with promising young talent.

The squad features key pace weapons Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava, while experienced all-rounders Ryan Burl and Wessly Madhevere strengthen the middle order. Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Tafadzwa Tsiga has earned his maiden T20I call-up, while Madhevere makes his return to the national setup. With Suryavanshi looking to turn past memories into fresh runs, the stage is set for an exciting clash in Harare.

- Akash Thapa

TYSON FURY CLAIMS ANTHONY JOSHUA WAS 'PULLED OUT' OF THEIR INFAMOUS SPARRING SESSION AFTER 'TURNING AWAY'


Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are on a collision course.

Providing Fury beats Polish veteran Mariusz Wach on Friday in Thailand and Joshua overcomes little-known Albanian Kristian Prenga a day later in Saudi Arabia, plans have been hatched for the pair to meet in late 2026.


Joshua and Fury are one fight away from finally meeting under the bright lightsCredit: Getty


While fans have been waiting a decade to see the Brits finally lock horns, it won't mark the first time they have traded leather.

Back in 2010, long before either man had carved out their glittering résumés, Fury and Joshua sparred at Finchley Boxing Club.

Fury admitted at the time that Joshua put a "beating" on him for three rounds before he rallied with an onslaught to the body.

When asked to recollect the spar by BoxingScene out in Pattaya, Thailand on Wednesday, his memory was a little more hazy.

However, he insists that Joshua was pulled out in round four after "turning away".

Tyson Fury recalls Anthony Joshua sparring session

"He was an amateur boxer, and I was a pro, maybe 10-0 or something, so there wasn't much to think about," said Fury.

"There was [sic] a lot of people there, so there was [sic] a lot of witnesses there.

"I remember him putting his legs up in the ropes after about three rounds, turning away in the corner...

"I've sparred maybe 400 or 500 heavyweights; I don't remember much of any of them really.

"The vivid memory I do have of it, though, is in about round three, he started putting legs up, and in round four he started putting his knees up in the corner, and I was like 'What the f*** is this?'


Joshua was an amateur when he sparred Fury and was still two years off winning Olympic goldCredit: GETTY


"Then they pulled him out and put somebody else in."

Fury didn't mention Joshua being pulled out when he spoke to BBC Radio London a few weeks after the spar.

Tyson Fury's recollection at the time

“He's red hot, him, he’s very good. To be honest with you, I thought to myself, ‘I’m only going to take it easy as he’s an amateur and we probably won’t spar again if I go mad'," said Fury in 2010.

“He’s rushed out at me, he threw a one-two and a left hook, and I slipped. I thought, 'He’s not that good, I’m going to take my time.'

“Then, bash, he gives me a big uppercut right on the point of the chin.

"If I'd have had a bit of a weak chin like David Price, I'd have been knocked out for a month.


Fury was 10 fights deep into his professional careerCredit: Getty


“He’s very, very good and he's only young, 20, watch out for that name Anthony Joshua, he is one prospect for the future.

“He came out at me for three rounds, and he gave me a beating - I’m not going to deny it, he gave me hell for leather for three rounds.

"I thought ‘Oh my god, an amateur is killing me.’ Being a professional, and I’ve been an amateur myself and fought all over the world, I slowed him down a bit with a few good body shots.

“The kid's only 20, and I’m a handful myself, so for him to put up a good performance like that against a top prospect in me, I think he’s one for the future.”

What did Anthony Joshua say about sparring Tyson Fury?

In 2016, AJ gave his own version of events.

"I used to read the Boxing News religiously, like I still do. In the magazine I remember reading, 'Tyson Fury's going around different gyms sparring, and if anyone can knock him out, they get to keep his Rolex,'" Joshua told Sky Sports.

"I'm hungry. I'm still hungry now; if you know me, I'm hungry.

- George Glinski

BUDAPEST GRAND PRIX 2026 | SCHEDULE


 

DUSTIN POIRIER SAYS BUD LIGHT ENDED DEAL IMMEDIATELY AFTER AIRPORT ARREST

Poirier says Bud Light terminated his deal right away, costing him money while he vows to stay away from alcohol.


Photo: BJPenn.com


Dustin Poirier says Bud Light ended its sponsorship deal with him right after his airport arrest, a business hit he now connects directly to his decision to stop drinking.

Poirier discussed the fallout during an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show. The former interim UFC lightweight champion said the arrest and the reaction around it cost him a major sponsor, but he also said promoting alcohol no longer fits the way he is trying to live.

When Helwani asked where things stood with Bud Light, Poirier gave a short answer.

“No, they terminated my contract immediately,” Poirier said.

Poirier did not frame the split as something he wanted to fight. He said the money mattered to his family, then pointed to the larger conflict of advertising a product he says he is done using.

“No, it’s all good, man. I don’t need that [ __ ] poison in my life,” Poirier said.

“I mean, it sucks that my family loses out on the money I had left on the deal with them, which is a few hundred thousand,” Poirier said. “But also, if I’m representing something that I’m not going to be, if I’m advertising something I’m not going to be taking part in and promoting stuff, you know, it is what it is.”

Poirier Says He Cannot Drink Responsibly

The Bud Light comments came inside a longer answer about the arrest, accountability, and alcohol. Poirier said the incident followed his own choices and that he is now a month sober.

“What happened that day, I just wasn’t in a good mental space,” Poirier said. “I knew I shouldn’t have and I didn’t care in the moment, you know, just a really bad day for me.”

“It’ll never happen again,” Poirier said. “I’m a month sober from alcohol and I’m never going to pick up alcohol again. I’m never going to drink again in my life. I made a vow, you know, and when I make promises to myself like that to my family like that, I don’t break them.”

That answer lines up with how Poirier described the sponsorship problem. He said he does not judge people who can drink without losing control, but he no longer puts himself in that group.

 “Right. Right. And I don’t have a problem with people,” Poirier said. “There’s plenty of people out there who do drink responsibly. I’m not one. I’m not one. So, if you can drink responsibly, have fun. Drink a Bud Light. Drink a whatever the hell you want. Be responsible. Have a good time. I’m not that person.”

Poirier also explained that the issue was not daily drinking. He said the pattern became dangerous when he did drink, especially after retirement removed the structure that came with fight camps.

“Probably three out of four times if I do pick up alcohol, I overdrink,” Poirier said. “But I don’t drink every day. But when I do drink it, we’re drinking, you know, and that’s a problem. That’s a problem I’ve had throughout my life, but definitely since I laid the gloves down.”

“When I laid the gloves down, I realized I was drinking to process emotion,” Poirier said. “I wasn’t drinking to socialize. I wasn’t drinking to celebrate. I was drinking to fight the feelings in my head. I was trying to process emotion with drinking to get away, to run away from it, which is a coward’s move.”

Other Sponsors And UFC Stayed Supportive

Poirier said Bud Light was not the only company watching the fallout, but he added that his other sponsors have stayed with him because of long relationships. His comments follow earlier coverage of his airport arrest apology and the support he received after Jon Jones publicly backed him.

“So far everybody’s been pretty supportive,” Poirier said. “These other companies I work with, I’ve been working with for years, for years and years and years. And they know my character. They’ve been around me in person and it was just a really bad day, man.”

He also said the UFC reached out quickly. Poirier named Hunter Campbell as the person who contacted him and said Dana White had not personally called at the time of the interview.


“Literally one day after the arrest and all that happened, Hunter Campbell with the UFC reached out to me and asked me what he can do, that the UFC’s got my back,” Poirier said. “Anything they can do, anything I need help with, let them know and they’re all in. So, no, the UFC, the company immediately reached out to me and had my back.”

“I believe his exact words were something on the line of I can’t let somebody who fought for this company for over 15 years try to handle all this on his own or something like we have your back,” Poirier said. “Let us know what you need from us.”

The legal case is still part of the picture. Poirier said he is dealing with a misdemeanor public intoxication charge, adding that his lawyer told him the matter could be resolved favorably if he does the right things. He said his wife booked him back into therapy immediately after he returned home.

“I mean, at worst, potential jail time,” Poirier said. “I don’t think it’s going to go that far. Maybe a fine. But the lawyer I’m talking to, the day I got back, my wife already booked me a therapy session for the day after I got back. The first day, my first full day home, I was back in therapy and trying to pull things together."

Poirier retired after his UFC 318 trilogy fight with Max Holloway, but his name has stayed active through post-career topics, including brain-scan concerns, his advice that Michael Chandler should consider retirement, and Conor McGregor’s reaction to the arrest discussion. The Bud Light split adds a direct business consequence to a personal reset Poirier says he has already started.

- Jake Blend

THREE GREAT COACHES | FRANCE 🇫🇷 | GERMANY 🇩🇪 | ITALY 🇮🇹


 

TOUR DE FRANCE 🇫🇷 2026 | STAGE 17 ELEVATION & DISTANCE MAP


 

LA LIGA CHIEF ACCUSES FIFA OF 'DESTROYING FOOTBALL INDUSTRY', CALLS FOR INFANTINO TO QUIT

Javier Tebas questions decision to postpone one-match ban given to US striker Folarin Balogun


US President Donald Trump and Fifa president Gianni Infantino stand under confetti as players of Spain celebrate with the World Cup trophy after winning the 2026 final against Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. (Will Oliver/EPA/BackpagePix)


La Liga president Javier Tebas said Fifa president Gianni Infantino should resign, accusing the governing body of “destroying the football industry” by expanding international competitions at the expense of domestic leagues and clubs.

Tebas has repeatedly criticised Fifa over fixture congestion and plans to further enlarge the World Cup.

In an interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, when Tebas was asked if Infantino should quit, he said: “In my opinion, yes, I think his time is up.”

Infantino said in April that he would seek re-election for a fourth term as Fifa president, with the vote for the 2027-2031 cycle scheduled to take place in Morocco on March 18 next year.

Asked about growing criticism of Infantino’s leadership, Tebas said the Fifa president retained strong support among national federations despite concerns within the game.

“He shouldn’t stay, but the current state of affairs means he won’t leave,” Tebas said. “There’s no opposition candidate; no one wants to run to lose. This is the system, and it’s a system that’s flawed from the ground up.

“I’ve heard a lot of people against Infantino, who don’t agree with what he’s doing. They say it, but then they don’t do anything.”

Tebas also questioned Fifa’s decision to postpone the one-match ban given to US striker Folarin Balogun following a red card during the World Cup. The decision was made after the intervention of US President Donald Trump. Belgium beat the US 4-1 in the last 16.

“The suspension of the American player’s ban is an extremely serious matter. They were lucky that Belgium eliminated the US, because otherwise a case could have arisen that might have cost Infantino his job.

“Since Belgium won, they managed to bury the matter. But these things are just the tip of the iceberg.”

His comments come amid growing tensions within soccer’s governing structures.

They’re destroying the football industry, the one that generates tens of thousands of jobs for an event that lasts 40 days and only a minority of players attends.

— Javier Tebas

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin did not attend Sunday’s World Cup final following a series of disagreements between European soccer’s governing body and Fifa over disciplinary procedures, refereeing logistics and match operations, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Tuesday.

Tebas also criticised proposals to expand the men’s World Cup to 64 teams, after CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez renewed calls for Fifa to enlarge the centenary edition of the tournament in 2030.

Infantino has previously acknowledged that a 64-team format could be considered in the future.

Tebas said a further increase in the number of participating nations would come at the expense of domestic competitions and the wider football industry.

“Increasing the number of national teams makes no sense,” Tebas said.

“The football industry isn’t just the World Cup, which is the most important event. But not everything can revolve around the World Cup. It’s the national competitions that sustain this sport.

“They’re destroying the football industry, the one that generates tens of thousands of jobs for an event that lasts 40 days and only a minority of players attends.”

-- Karan Prashant Saxena, Reuters 

CHELSEA SIGN ENGLAND’S RODGERS FROM VILLA IN RECORD BRITISH DEAL

Morgan Rogers with his beloved mother at Stamford Bridge during his official unveiling and contract signing


London club’s previous record signing was Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo

Chelsea have signed England international Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa on a contract until 2033, both Premier League clubs said on Tuesday, with British media reporting the deal was worth £117m (R2.58bn), making him the most expensive British player.

Neither club disclosed financial details, but Sky Sports reported the package surpassed the reported fee of up to £116m Manchester City paid Nottingham Forest for midfielder Elliot Anderson earlier this month.

Chelsea’s previous record signing was Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo, who joined from Brighton & Hove Albion for £115m in 2023.

“I’m so excited,” said Rogers in a club statement. “For me, Chelsea are the biggest club in London and a club I’ve always admired since I was a kid.


A photo posted on social media by Chelsea FC shows new signing Morgan Rogers at the club's headquarters in London. (Chelsea FC/X)


He chose Chelsea. 

pic.twitter.com/V6NrGsuZH9

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 21, 2026

“I’m really excited about the project with the new manager, the players we’ve got and where the club is heading. That’s why I’m here and I can’t wait to get started.”

Rogers, who can play on the wing or as an attacking midfielder, leaves Villa after two years, having helped them win the Europa League in May. He scored in the 3-0 final victory over Freiburg as Villa claimed their first major European trophy since 1982.

The 23-year-old scored 31 goals in 125 appearances for Villa after joining from Middlesbrough in 2024, earning his England debut later that year.

Rogers featured in seven of England’s eight matches as they finished third at the World Cup and enjoyed his most prolific domestic campaign last season, scoring 10 Premier League goals.

Chelsea, who finished 10th in the Premier League last season, begin their league campaign away to Fulham on August 24.

- Reuters

LIVERPOOL RECEIVE OFFER FOR MINORITY STAKE FROM CONSORTIUM LED BY AMIT BHATIA WHICH COULD TAKE REDS' VALUE PAST £4.5BILLION - WITH BUSINESSMAN QUITTING ROLE AS QPR CO-OWNER

 

Businessman Amit Bhatia is part of a consortium in talks to buy a small stake in Liverpool


British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia is part of a consortium in talks to buy a small stake in Liverpool that could take the club’s value to north of £4.5billion

Bhatia, the son-in-law of Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, was co-owner at Championship side Queens Park Rangers – and has a stand named after him at Loftus Road – before surprisingly stepping down from their ownership setup on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group said in a statement: ‘An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club.’

Nothing is official yet and, if it was to proceed, it would follow a similar structure to a deal made three years ago when FSG sold a small stake to sports investment firm Dynasty.

Liverpool are currently in Chicago as they begin their pre-season tour of the USA. 

Andoni Iraola's side play Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday, followed by Wrexham in New York and Leeds back in Chicago, before returning home at the start of August.

- LEWIS STEELE

PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES | MATCHWEEK 1 | THE KICK OFF


 

NBA TODAY | SHOCKING 😲 SHAMS SAYS VANVLEET OF ROCKETS SUFFERED TORN ACL


 

TOUR DE FRANCE 🇫🇷 2026 | STAGE 17 ELEVATION SND AND DISTANCE MAP


 

TIME TRIAL SHOWDOWN ⏲️ | TOUR DE FRANCE 🇫🇷 2026 | STAGE 16


 

TOUR DE FRANCE 🇫🇷 2026 | STAGE 16 RESULTS