Alonso reveals plan to pair record signing Morgan Rogers with Cole Palmer at Chelsea

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has outlined a tactical blueprint to integrate club-record £117 million signing Morgan Rogers into the starting lineup alongside fellow England international Cole Palmer, insisting the former Aston Villa midfielder will make an "instant impact" at Stamford Bridge. Rogers, 24, became the most expensive British player in history when he completed his move from Aston Villa last week. The midfielder is currently on a post-World Cup holiday after representing England at the tournament, while Chelsea have already begun their pre-season tour in Sydney. "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." The England midfielder has signed a six-year contract with Chelsea, with an option for an additional year. Despite not having participated in pre-season training yet, Alonso expressed confidence that Rogers will be ready to feature, and believes he and Palmer can form a formidable partnership. Rogers and Palmer have described each other as among their "best friends in football," and the former has previously expressed a desire to play alongside the Chelsea star. Alonso confirmed he shares that vision. "I have a plan. I have an idea. I can see them linking really well," the Spanish coach said. "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." Chelsea are also expected to complete the £52 million signing of France international defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace. The 26-year-old would become the club's oldest acquisition since 2022. Alonso emphasized the importance of squad balance: "We want a squad with the right balance between quality and mentality. Those things need to match in terms of maturity, but I think we are starting the new season with good energy." The Blues have already added winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting, striker Emmanuel Emegha from Strasbourg, and full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta. Midfielder Valentin Barco is also expected to arrive from Strasbourg in the coming weeks. With nearly 40 players in the squad, Chelsea will likely need to offload a significant number before the window closes. "We need to know that there will probably still be some movement," Alonso added. "We need to be flexible and quick to act. The main thing is that we have a clear idea, a clear plan that we have built. It will probably change before the transfer window closes."