Mudryk joins Spurs after doping ban lifted
Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Ukraine winger Mykhailo Mudryk on a season-long loan from Premier League rivals Chelsea, the club confirmed on Tuesday. The move comes a month after Mudryk was cleared to resume his career following a doping case, and reunites him with Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi, who coached him at Shakhtar Donetsk during the 2021-22 season.
The 25-year-old joined Chelsea in 2023 for 100 million euros (then $115 million) on an eight-and-a-half-year deal, making him one of the most expensive players in world football at the time. He has not played a competitive match since November 2024, when he failed a drug test while on international duty with Ukraine. The test revealed an “adverse finding” of the prohibited substance meldonium.
Mudryk was suspended for four years by the English Football Association in January and appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in April. According to reports, changes to World Anti-Doping Agency procedures in the interim meant that had he been tested under the new rules, doping charges would not have been brought, leading to his clearance to resume playing with immediate effect.
De Zerbi reunion key to deal
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi worked with Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk before the winger’s move to Chelsea, and that relationship appears to have been central to the transfer. Speaking after the signing was confirmed, De Zerbi said: “I know exactly what he can bring to our team. He has the quality to change a game with his speed and ability in one-vs-one situations, and is an exciting, attacking talent.”
De Zerbi added that he would demand a lot from Mudryk. “I will demand a lot from Misha and it is our job to help him find the best version of himself. If we do that then he can become a very important player for us.”
Mudryk himself expressed excitement about the move. “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 said. “I can see it's a strong squad here with good players, and I'm looking forward to sharing a pitch and special moments with them.”
The loan comes after a busy transfer window for Tottenham, who have spent more than $400 million on new players, according to reports. The club has been seeking attacking reinforcements after their pursuit of Manchester City duo Omar Marmoush and Savio reportedly fell through, with Savio having joined Spurs two weeks ago from the Premier League champions. Mudryk’s arrival provides another option in wide areas for a squad that has been short of attacking firepower, with the winger eager to build match fitness and prove himself in the Premier League.