Chelsea transfer news as young striker pens a new fresh contract with aims of getting a first-team chance whilst the Blues pursue fresh targets
Morgan only signed last summer, arriving from Southampton, but has made an immediate impression, moving from the Under-18s and quickly into the Under-21s. He scored six times and assisted one in 14 Premier League 2 matches, starting 10 of those.
The 18-year-old stood out with a hat-trick against Reading in January, a highlight of his season, and is now aiming for better things again under new coach Filipe Coelho. The former Benfica academy manager was announced as the replacement for Mark Robinson earlier this month.
Robinson oversaw most of Morgan’s football last season as coach but left before the end of his three-year stay, joining Burton Albion in a first go at senior coaching. At one stage he made the step-up to first-team training under for Mauricio Pochettino.
Some of his teammates, Deivid Washington and Diego Moreira, have had bigger roles in the senior side as well. Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong are both on the pre-season tour of America and hope to make a lasting impression on Enzo Maresca.
Morgan, meanwhile, came on at half-time in his first game of the summer under Coehlo against Mansfield in Portugal. The young Blues fell to a 2-1 defeat in a performance with some promising elements. Leo Casltedine scored for Chelsea.
Speaking about signing his new contract, Morgan told Chelsea, “I am extremely happy to extend my stay.” He added: “Who wouldn’t be, it’s Chelsea!
“Ever since joining the club, I have felt comfortable in the environment, which makes you confident enough to push yourself to new limits and get the best out of you. I’m grateful and very lucky to be part of this community”
Morgan continued: “Completing last season was significant for me as it was my first full season back since my surgery. Finishing as top goal scorer was a huge achievement, but I want to repeat that again this season – I forgot to mention, I am very ambitious!
“But along with performing well, I have recently learned the importance of maintaining a positive state of mind. Holding a strong mental attitude is crucial and can take you just as far as being a talented player on the pitch. I feel really fit physically and mentally I am in a steady place. My headspace is completely focused and filled with motivation.”
What is to come for the forward? “I am looking forward to seeing what comes next for me. I definitely want to continue to learn new techniques and progress my strengths. I am ready to kick on to the new season and, hopefully, show my capabilities and passion each week.
“My focus right now is just continuing to do what I have been doing since walking through the door. Also who knows, an opportunity across the road might come about, which would be a surreal moment.”
Mentioning the move to getting into the senior squad, Morgan has plenty ahead of him in the pecking order and may well see his route into Maresca’s side even more blocked off if Chelsea get their wish and sign a new striker this summer. The club have been linked with multiple options including Jhon Duran, Samu Omorodion, Victor Osimhen, and Viktor Gyokeres.
In the long-run Morgan will hope he can rival anyone who joins Chelsea, forging a path for himself. In the meantime it is about scoring goals and putting together a run of form that can’t be ignored by the hierarchy.