Mudryk out! What are the best loan options for struggling Chelsea star?
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 22 Sept 2023 11:12 BST
- 5 min read
Mykhailo Mudryk is still searching for his first competitive Chelsea goal as he approaches the 25-game mark without netting for the Blues.
The Ukraine international joined the west London club for an initial €70 million from Shakhtar Donetsk in January and as things stand, Chelsea look unlikely to pay the additional €30m in add-on bonuses.
Mudryk has racked up 21 appearances for his new club, but he is still yet to score as the wait for a goal continues to drag on.
READ MORE: Chelsea consider SHOCK Mudryk decision as €70m signing set for transfer
He does have two assists, both of which were notched last season, but the 22-year-old has seemingly been replaced by Ben Chilwell - a left-back - as Chelsea’s starting left winger.
The summer arrival of Cole Palmer could push the Ukrainian even further down the pecking order and sensational reports from Spain suggest Chelsea are considering loaning Mudryk out in January.
Fichajes have reported that Chelsea are working on a six-month loan move to ensure the former Shakhtar star is able to discover his form through consistent game time. In addition, there are reportedly multiple clubs keen on signing him.
READ MORE: Bayern join Real Madrid & Man City in race to sign Chelsea star
Manchester City new boy Jeremy Doku, a winger with many of the same fundamental skills as Mudryk, has proven how quickly you can adapt to life in the Premier League, but then again he’s joined a Pep Guardiola side not a struggling Chelsea team.
Even so, Mudryk’s struggles have not helped a Blues side in desperate need of inspiration in front of goal. All the underlying numbers suggest Mauricio Pochettino is building a very impressive squad capable of competing at the sharp-end of the Premier League, but the actual results paint an entirely different picture.
The Stamford Bridge outfit are currently 14th in the Premier League and have only won one of their opening five league fixtures in 2023-24.
It’s worth noting that Mudryk is still incredibly raw and the €70m fee was a huge gamble by Chelsea at the time. After all, he had only racked up 44 senior appearances for Shakhtar before moving to England, while Mudryk has not yet hit 90 first-team games in his career.
The 22-year-old did score 10 goals and provide eight assists in 18 appearances across the Ukrainian top flight and the Champions League during his final six months at Shakhtar, but a loan move may actually be of great benefit to both Chelsea and Mudryk himself.
Of course, sending a €70m signing out on loan may not look great, but it might be the best option for all involved.
Using FootballTransfers’ data analytics partners SciSports, here are some of the best options for Mudryk as he eyes up a potential loan move away from Chelsea.
Who should Mudryk join?
SciSports’ ‘Career Advice’ tool analyses a number of important factors - such as playing time, club status, potential development and formation - to determine how suited a player would be at another club.
Using this tool, Barcelona are the team who actually come out on top for Mudryk. Xavi typically sets up in a 4-3-3 system and with Ansu Fati having departed on loan, there could potentially be an open spot on the left flank.
Of course, new signing Joao Felix has started his Barca career in that position, while Ferran Torres is another option, but SciSports say that Mudryk would suit a move to Camp Nou as his potential development would be high at such an esteemed club.
Furthermore, RB Leipzig narrowly follow Barcelona in the list of Mudryk’s best destinations, with the Bundesliga likely providing the perfect platform for the Ukranian’s speed to shine.
Leipzig have pace throughout their forward line and Mudryk would suit that to a tee. The transitional, gung-ho nature of the German top flight would also be ideal for the Chelsea man. This would be a loan move that would work out, if it ever came to fruition.
Which club would be best for Mykhailo Mudryk?
| Club | Club Fit Score |
|---|---|
| Barcelona | 89 |
| RB Leipzig | 87 |
| Real Madrid | 86 |
| Bayern | 85 |
| Atalanta | 85 |
| Marseille | 85 |
| Milan | 85 |
| Benfica | 85 |
| Monaco | 85 |
| Villarreal | 84 |
Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Atalanta, Marseille, AC Milan, Benfica, Monaco and Villarreal also rank highly as possible loan destinations for Mudryk, according to SciSports.
