Loan Move Takes Shape
Tottenham Hotspur are in talks to sign Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk on a season-long loan, according to the BBC. The 25-year-old Ukraine international is reported to be keen to play in the Premier League after resolving his doping case with the Football Association last month.
Chelsea have been in discussions with Leeds and rejected at least one offer, but Tottenham entered the race at a late stage after attempts to sign Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye and Liverpool attacker Cody Gakpo, the BBC reported. Spurs are now considered favourites to secure the signing of Mudryk, who has not played a competitive match since November 2024.
The Guardian reports that Tottenham completed the loan just before the transfer deadline, describing the move as a chance for the winger to revive his career after a difficult period at Chelsea.
Mudryk's Chelsea Struggles and Doping Case
Mudryk became a €100m player when Chelsea signed him from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023, with the deal comprising an initial €70m plus €30m in add-ons, according to The Guardian. Chelsea beat Arsenal to his signature at a time when the Ukrainian was among the most sought-after players in Europe.
However, his time at Stamford Bridge did not go as planned. The Guardian reports that Mudryk was banned for returning an adverse reading for meldonium, a substance that can increase respiratory capacity and stamina. His last competitive game for Chelsea was on 28 November 2024.
After an initial suspension, Mudryk was given a four-year ban by the Football Association. Following an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, he resolved his case with the FA at the end of July and was cleared for an immediate return to playing, The Guardian reported. He accepted breaking anti-doping rules and agreed to a suspension equal to time already served. The FA noted that changes to World Anti-Doping Agency rules on meldonium would mean that had Mudryk's test been conducted under current regulations, no adverse finding would have been recorded.
De Zerbi Connection Drives Spurs Interest
Tottenham's pursuit of Mudryk is attributed to the recommendation of manager Roberto De Zerbi, who worked with the winger at Shakhtar and oversaw his breakthrough season in 2021-22, The Guardian reports. De Zerbi was in the market for a left-winger to complete a new-look front line alongside Savio and Omar Marmoush, both signed from Manchester City.
Spurs had previously failed with moves for Cody Gakpo and Iliman Ndiaye, the former remaining at Liverpool and the latter moving from Everton to Manchester City. With Mathys Tel starting the season on the left, De Zerbi turned his attention to Mudryk, according to The Guardian.
The loan deal reportedly includes a £75m purchase option.
Reactions from Player and Manager
Mudryk expressed his excitement about the move, saying: "It's a great feeling. I can't wait to start training and playing for the club, and I'm so excited to be reunited with Roberto De Zerbi." He added: "I'm a player who brings speed and creativity, and I want to help in both the offensive and defensive areas. I want to make the fans excited."
De Zerbi responded warmly to the reunion, saying: "He's my son. I'm very happy. He deserves to play. He's a cool guy, a top player." He also said: "Hopefully he can show what he suffered in the last two years in this next season."
The Guardian noted that Tottenham have not done business with Chelsea since 2009, when Carlo Cudicini was allowed to join them on a free transfer.