One month, two record transfers: why English midfielders are in demand
English midfielders Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers have broken British transfer records within a month, highlighting the soaring demand for homegrown talent in that position.
In the space of one month, two English midfielders have set new British transfer records. Elliot Anderson moved from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City for £116 million, while Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea from Aston Villa for £117 million. Both are 23 years old and have already proven themselves in the Premier League.
Last season, Anderson recorded 3,300 touches in the Premier League, more than any other player. He also led the league in duels won (297), possessions won (306), and fouls won (80). He completed 2,038 passes as a central midfielder and made 376 line-breaking passes, along with four goals and four assists.
Rogers contributed 14 goals and 12 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions last season. A versatile attacking midfielder, he can play as a number 10 or on the left wing. Across Europe's top five leagues, he ranked second among midfielders for touches in the opposition box (181).
Experts note that traditional number nines are becoming rarer, so clubs are turning to other positions for goal threat, especially creative midfielders. Additionally, the Premier League's homegrown rule requires at least eight locally trained players in a 25-man squad, inflating the value of English talent.
Potential next record transfers include Bournemouth's Alex Scott, who has already attracted a £64 million bid from Chelsea, and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, who has interest from Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City. Both are 22 years old.
According to football finance expert Kieran Maguire, transfer fees are not as mad as they seem relative to club revenues. In the 1992-93 season, the average Premier League club turnover was £9.3 million, and the biggest signing (Alan Shearer) cost £3.3 million – 35% of revenue. By 2024-25, average revenue had ballooned to £342 million; 35% of that is £121 million, closely matching the fees paid for Anderson and Rogers.
