Chelsea not ready to offload £89m flop despite failing to deliver

Chelsea's £89 million acquisition of Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk has been a rollercoaster, with the young Ukrainian winger facing hurdles since his arrival in early 2023. At just 23, Mudryk has struggled to leave a lasting impression, managing only seven goals and seven assists in 66 appearances for the Blues.

Despite his underwhelming performance, Chelsea are not considering parting ways with Mudryk during the upcoming January transfer window. Journalist Ben Jacobs reports that head coach Enzo Maresca remains optimistic about Mudryk's potential.

Maresca views him as a crucial player, particularly in the competition for the left wing position against Jadon Sancho. This confidence reflects the club's belief in Mudryk's ability to turn things around and become a key contributor.

Mudryk's current season has seen limited Premier League action, with just one start. However, he has been more active in cup competitions, making eight appearances across all competitions, including five starts, totalling 425 minutes on the field. This indicates that while his league presence has been minimal, he is still very much part of Maresca's plans.

Mudryk's contract with Chelsea extends until 2031, underscoring the club's long-term commitment to him. However, his recent form has raised eyebrows about whether he might become a depreciating asset. Balancing their hefty investment with the need for tangible results on the pitch presents a significant challenge for Chelsea.

The intense competition for starting spots at Chelsea adds another layer of complexity to Mudryk's situation. With a plethora of talented players vying for each position, Maresca enjoys flexibility in his selections. However, this also means that players like Mudryk might find themselves on the bench more often than anticipated. While there is speculation about a potential loan move to help him regain form and confidence, Chelsea currently has no plans to pursue this option.

Mudryk is determined to increase his playing time and prove his worth in upcoming matches. A crucial fixture against league leaders Liverpool on October 20 presents a golden opportunity for him to showcase his talent and justify Chelsea's substantial investment in his abilities.