Considering Chelsea have more than 40 senior players on their books, expect the club to be extremely active as we enter the final week of the transfer window. Well, one of those who could depart on loan is Mykhailo Mudryk, but has his potential destination been revealed?
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Leeds United "are preparing a new loan bid" for the Ukrainian international, adding that "talks are still ongoing" between the two clubs. Chelsea and Leeds are historic rivals, dating back to the 1970 FA Cup Final.
Despite this, numerous men have represented both, most notably Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Tore André Flo, Ethan Ampadu and others. So, could Mudryk be about to join this list?
Why Mykhailo Mudryk needs to go out on loan
Mykhailo Mudryk. That is special 💫#UECL | @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/udT1xfT4Tb
— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) November 8, 2024
One of the stories of the summer for Chelsea was the end of Mudryk's doping ban. This was confirmed by the FA, out of nowhere, on 31 July, with the 25 year old straight on a place to join his team mates on their pre-season tour of Asia.
He subsequently enjoyed brief cameos off the bench against Juventus, A.C Milan and Johor Darul Ta'zim, albeit was not in the squad for Stamford Bridge friendly against Real Sociedad. In competitive terms, it is now 634 days since Mudryk last played in a game. This was a UEFA Conference League clash against Heidenheim, actually scoring as Enzo Maresca's side won 2-0 at the Voith-Arena.
Thus, if he is not central to Alonso's plans, which he appears not to be, Mudryk simply needs minutes, having already been robbed of almost two years of his career.
Is Leeds United a good move for Mykhailo Mudryk?
Mykhailo Mudryk sends Ukraine to EURO 2024 🇺🇦🤩#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/GR6sLC5W4G
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) March 28, 2024
Mudryk's obvious elite attribute is his pace, as well as his dribbling ability. Thus, this would surely fit in well to a high-octane, high-energy Daniel Farke side, hence why Leeds United are interested.
The Whites favour a 3-4-2-1 formation, similar to what Alonso is expected to use at Chelsea. During their 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, new signing Harry Wilson and USMNT international Brenden Aaronson was the wingers/number tens, in behind centre-forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Noah Okafor came off the bench at the City Ground, while Dan James and Wilfried Gnonto the other men competing for those spots; Jack Harrison has departed for the New England Revolution. Thus, with Wilson the only real undisputed starter, there is a spot open for Mudryk to start alongside the Welshman, operating off the left. Thus, this seems to tick all the boxes, and appears to be a sensible move for all involved.
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