Three ideal replacements for Morgan Rogers at Aston Villa this summer | OneFootball

Aston Villa are fighting to see out the season successfully following a topsy-turvy campaign before heading into what should be a crucial 2026 summer transfer window.

Top European sides will hound Aston Villa for several of their key players, especially attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers, one of the hottest properties in the market.

Several clubs have been sounding out interest in the Villa ace and sense an opportunity to pounce.

The Villains must have a succession plan in place in case they let the 23-year-old leave.

Without further ado, here are three players the club should consider to replace Rogers this summer.

Said El Mala (Koln)

Koln’s Said El Mala is a 6ft2ins, mazy-dribbling, sharpshooter Aston Villa should be keeping tabs on.

El Mala has taken the Bundesliga by storm this season, bagging 10 goals and three assists in 27 appearances (13 starts).

He has missed 12 big chances, a sign that he consistently gets himself into excellent attacking positions.

His tendency to roam between left wing and midfield is very similar to Rogers’ style, and he’d be a terrific option to replace the Englishman at Villa Park.

Koln reportedly want €45 million to let him go, and a host of clubs are already circling to snap him up.

Excellent scouters Brighton & Hove Albion have been trying to get him since January, and continue to push for his signature. Newcastle United are in the race, too.

Interestingly, Chelsea have also registered their interest in his services and might have a say.

Aston Villa need to enter the fray. He is an excellent prospect with remarkable upside.

Rodrigo Mora (FC Porto)

FC Porto wonderkid Rodrigo Mora broke onto the scene last season with some breathtaking performances.

The Portuguese youngster has not gotten the same consistency under Francesco Farioli this season, but continues to show glimpses of why he is so highly regarded.

The 18-year-old has bagged five goals and two assists in 36 appearances across all competitions (mostly as a substitute).

Mora’s cameos have been quite eye-catching.

His ability to float just behind the striker is outstanding. He has delivered a terrific Europa League campaign, recording three goals and three big chances created so far.

Aston Villa can seize upon his lack of playing time at his boyhood club to lure him to the Premier League. Villains boss Unai Emery can transform him into a world-beater.

The Spanish tactician can maximise his high-volume shooting and impeccable creativity.

Pedro Goncalves (Sporting CP)

Aston Villa have previously shown interest in Pedro Goncalves, and he’d be a perfect replacement for Rogers in the hole behind the striker.

Multiple reports linking Villa to the Sporting CP attacker suggest genuine intent, and it is easy to see why.

Goncalves’ numbers make a compelling case to the Aston Villa hierarchy.

After returning from a long-term injury setback last season, he has racked up 14 goals and seven assists in just 29 appearances this term.

More impressively, his consistency over time stands out.

He registered 35 goal contributions in each of the previous two campaigns, highlighting a player operating at an elite level year after year.

Having such a reliable player is gold for Emery. Goncalves is not just productive but tactically flexible.

He is capable of playing across the attacking midfield line or centrally behind the striker.

He thrives in tight spaces, links play seamlessly, and carries a constant goal threat from distance and late runs into the box.

If Villa are serious about competing in the Champions League while maintaining domestic momentum, Goncalves is a ready-made, high-output replacement for Rogers.