The Ukrainian winger is open to a move back under coach Roberto De Zerbi as Spurs seek attacking reinforcements
Category: Sports
Tottenham Hotspur has initiated discussions with Chelsea over a potential loan move for Mykhailo Mudryk, a decision that reflects the club's urgent need for attacking reinforcements. According to multiple reports, including one from ESPN, Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who previously managed Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk, is particularly interested in bringing the Ukrainian winger to north London as the transfer deadline approaches.
This move comes as Spurs have already invested heavily in their squad, spending over £380 million this summer on eight new players, including Savio and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City. With the transfer window closing soon, the club is eager to secure additional talent, especially after failing to land Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, who is now on his way to Manchester City.
Mudryk, who joined Chelsea for an initial fee of £61 million in January 2023, has been sidelined for nearly two years due to a doping suspension. He was provisionally banned after returning an adverse finding for meldonium, a banned substance, during an international duty test in October 2024. After a lengthy appeal process, Mudryk was allowed to return to competitive play on July 31, 2026, following a resolution between the Football Association and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso described Mudryk as "a special player" and expressed optimism about his return to the team.
Since his return, Mudryk has participated in three pre-season friendlies but has not been included in any matchday squads for Chelsea’s recent outings against Fulham, Luton Town, and Brighton & Hove Albion. His lack of game time has led to speculation about his future, with Chelsea reportedly eager to find him a loan destination where he can play regularly.
On August 21, Chelsea rejected a loan proposal from Leeds United, signaling their intent to find a more suitable arrangement for Mudryk. The club is exploring various options, including potential moves to other Premier League clubs and teams in continental Europe, with interest also coming from Brentford and Italian clubs. Mudryk himself has indicated a preference for a Premier League loan, making Tottenham an appealing option.
De Zerbi's previous relationship with Mudryk, who scored two goals and provided nine assists during their time together at Shakhtar Donetsk in the 2021-22 season, could play a key role in the winger's decision to join Spurs. The coach has expressed confidence in his ability to help Mudryk regain his form, which had previously attracted Chelsea's attention over Arsenal during the January 2023 transfer window.
Nonetheless, the potential move has drawn skepticism from some Spurs supporters and analysts. Critics argue that Mudryk's recent history, including his suspension and limited impact at Chelsea, raises concerns about his fit within the team. Some have likened the situation to previous loan signings like Timo Werner and Randal Kolo Muani, who failed to make a lasting impression at Tottenham.
Jay Harris, a correspondent for *The Athletic*, noted that this move could feel like an anti-climax for Spurs after pursuing more established targets like Gakpo and Ndiaye. "Mudryk is a rehabilitation project after being unavailable to play for nearly two years due to a doping ban," Harris wrote. This sentiment is echoed by fans who are wary of the risks associated with bringing in a player who has struggled to find form.
In addition to Mudryk, Tottenham is also looking to sign defender Tosin Adarabioyo from Chelsea. Premier League rules restrict clubs to having only one loan player from another Premier League club at a time, complicating Spurs' plans. To facilitate Mudryk's arrival, Spurs may need to secure a permanent deal for Adarabioyo, who is not in Alonso's plans.
As the transfer deadline hangs, negotiations between Tottenham and Chelsea for Mudryk's loan are reportedly progressing. Fabrizio Romano, a well-known football insider, has indicated that Mudryk is leaning toward a move to Spurs, prioritizing the opportunity to work with De Zerbi again. He has put offers from Leeds and other clubs on hold, showing his commitment to the potential transfer.
Spurs have until Tuesday to finalize any deals, and with their recent spending spree, they are under pressure to make strategic decisions that will strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. The club's management is aware that a successful loan for Mudryk could either rejuvenate the player's career or complicate the development of other young talents like Mathys Tel.
As the situation develops, attention will turn to the transfer deadline day, where Spurs are expected to be active in the market. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact both Mudryk's career and Tottenham's ambitions for the season ahead.