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Ranking the Former Manchester City Academy Graduates Signed by Chelsea Following Morgan Rogers Deal
Priya Nambiar | July 23, 2026 3:36 PM CST

Chelsea have finalised the acquisition of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa in a record-breaking transfer worth £117 million for the club.

This move marks Chelsea’s marquee signing of the summer, as Rogers joins a growing list of familiar faces in West London.

With Rogers’ arrival, Chelsea now boast six former Manchester City academy graduates in their current first-team roster, with a combined transfer expenditure of £302.5 million.

Here’s a ranking of the influence and impact of each of Chelsea’s ex-Etihad talents.

5. Liam Delap

Last summer, Chelsea triumphed in a competitive pursuit to sign striker Liam Delap, activating his £30 million release clause from relegated Ipswich Town. The forward had impressed with 12 league goals in a breakthrough season at Ipswich following his move from Manchester City.

However, Delap’s debut campaign in a Chelsea shirt proved challenging. The 23-year-old managed just two goals across 41 appearances, struggling to replicate his earlier form.

4. Jamie Gittens

Jamie Gittens, much like Jadon Sancho before him, departed Manchester City’s academy to seek regular senior football at Borussia Dortmund. After showcasing his potential in Germany, Chelsea secured his services for £55 million last summer. Despite the high expectations, the 21-year-old winger made limited impact, starting only five Premier League fixtures.

3. Romeo Lavia

Romeo Lavia’s time at Chelsea has been marred by persistent injuries, preventing him from delivering consistent performances. The 22-year-old midfielder is widely regarded as a top prospect, yet recurring fitness issues have restricted him from demonstrating his full capabilities.

2. Tosin Adarabioyo

Chelsea captured Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham in 2024, adding another former Manchester City product to their ranks.

Now 28, Adarabioyo has become one of the senior figures in the squad, making 70 appearances over two seasons. His contributions have been instrumental in Chelsea’s triumphs in both the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

1. Cole Palmer

By far the standout among Chelsea’s former City contingent.

Cole Palmer joined Chelsea in 2023 after limited opportunities at Manchester City and quickly established himself as a key player. In his debut season, the attacking midfielder scored 25 goals across all competitions, earning the PFA Fans’ Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Season awards.

Although the 23-year-old has not quite matched those initial heights since, he has continued to deliver decisive performances. Palmer has now netted 54 goals in 131 appearances, including a brace in Chelsea’s 2025 Club World Cup victory over Paris Saint-Germain, where he was also named Man of the Match in that year’s Conference League final. His rise has made him one of English football’s most marketable and recognisable stars.


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