Mykhailo Mudryk has made his transfer preference clear after Chelsea reportedly ruled out selling the winger this summer. According to widespread reports, the 25-year-old Ukrainian is not for sale, but several European clubs are interested in a loan deal. Fabrizio Romano reports that Mudryk would prefer to remain in the Premier League next season if Chelsea do reach an agreement to send him out on loan.
Return from doping ban and pre-season cameos
Mudryk was unavailable to play for almost two years after he was suspended for returning an ‘adverse finding’ for the banned substance meldonium. However, the Ukrainian has now been cleared to play again after resolving his doping case with the Football Association. He subsequently joined Chelsea’s pre-season tour, making three brief cameo appearances off the bench against Juventus, AC Milan and Johor Darul Ta’zim.
After nearly two seasons without a first-team appearance, it appears likely that the 25-year-old will go out on loan to get regular minutes and demonstrate his level after such a long lay-off. Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg are interested in a deal for Mudryk after already securing the loan signing of goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.
Coventry City and other suitors
Frank Lampard’s Coventry City have been linked with a move for Mudryk as the former Chelsea boss looks to add firepower to his squad ahead of their Premier League return. Coventry are one of several clubs across Europe interested in a loan for the winger, but Mudryk’s preference for a Premier League stay could give them an edge.
Speaking last week about Mudryk’s Chelsea future, Xabi Alonso said: ‘Everything has happened so quick, so the main thing is thinking about the person, to feel that he was back in the group dynamic, part of a team, and we need to assess [how he is doing]. But for sure, he’s a special player. It’s a special case with him, so we need to be sensitive.’
Teammate praise and support
Meanwhile, Chelsea teammate Tosin Adarabioyo was full of praise for Mudryk’s attitude during his 20-month absence, saying of the Ukrainian: ‘Misha is a freak. His work rate is unbelievable. There is no doubt he has been working hard throughout this whole time. I know he has been doing sessions away. I have seen him. I know the guys he has been working with, so it’s good. Misha is my guy. I have kept in contact with him throughout and it is really nice to have him back. I am really happy for him. You can see he is just really happy to be around and back in the environment. It is obviously going to take him some time, but we are all here to support him.’
As the summer transfer window progresses, Mudryk’s future remains uncertain, but his preference for a Premier League loan could shape negotiations. Chelsea are reportedly not considering a sale, and with interest from Strasbourg and Coventry, the next steps will depend on which club can offer the winger the regular minutes he needs to rebuild his career.
