Mykhailo Mudryk’s tenure at Chelsea has been turbulent since his £88.5m transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023.
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Speculation about his future intensified this season due to limited Premier League action, but Chelsea has reportedly ruled out any move for the Ukrainian winger in the upcoming January transfer window.
Mudryk’s Struggles This Season
The 23-year-old winger has played just 146 minutes in seven Premier League games, primarily as a substitute.
He’s also been left unused in five top-flight matches. While his domestic contributions are limited, Mudryk has been more active in the UEFA Conference League, netting three goals and providing three assists in four matches.
Chelsea’s Stance
Recent reports from Football Insider claimed Chelsea were considering offloading Mudryk due to head coach Enzo Maresca’s dissatisfaction with his performances. However, these claims have been firmly denied, with sources close to the club stating there is “no chance” of a loan or permanent sale in January.
Chelsea remains committed to their long-term investment, with Mudryk under contract until 2031. The Blues reportedly believe the Ukrainian winger will grow into his potential.
Shakhtar’s Ferrari Analogy
Shakhtar Donetsk’s general director, Sergiy Palkin, recently weighed in on Mudryk’s struggles, likening him to a Ferrari being mishandled:
“You don’t need a Ferrari if you don’t know how to drive it. If you buy a Ferrari, you should think about how to handle it.”
Palkin emphasized that Mudryk is a “difference maker” and his performances for Ukraine demonstrate his immense potential.
A Bumpy Start, But Room to Grow
Since his high-profile move, Mudryk has played 73 games across all competitions for Chelsea, contributing 10 goals and nine assists. However, his struggles to adapt to the Premier League raise questions about whether Chelsea has fully integrated him into their system.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Chelsea appears determined to give Mudryk the time and support needed to thrive. With over seven years left on his contract, the winger remains a long-term project for the club, one they believe can pay off in the seasons ahead.
The January window will likely focus on bolstering other areas of the squad as Chelsea continues their rebuild under Maresca’s leadership.
