Chelsea’s big Mudryk transfer puzzle and how to solve it
Robin Bairner
- 8 Nov 2023 08:32 GMT
- 3 min read
Chelsea have a problem with Mykhailo Mudryk.
Nearly one year into his adventure at Stamford Bridge, the Ukraine international, who was signed last January in such dramatic circumstances from Shakhtar Donetsk as Arsenal also fought for him, has not produced anything like the quality his €70 million transfer fee might suggest.
The 22-year-old has just two goals – one of them a fluke against the Gunners – and two assists to his credit in nearly 30 appearances since moving from his homeland. Indeed, he has as many bookings as goal contributions.
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Monday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham only highlighted his issues. Coming off the bench to play against a Spurs side down to nine men and holding an outrageously high line, it was a scenario that should have been tailormade for the lightning-fast winger. He failed to leave his note on the match, though, as Nicolas Jackson’s hat-trick secured the points.
Chelsea would be forgiven, then, for trying to look for a loan move that might unlock Mudryk’s potential.
This, though, could also be a problem for the Blues.
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Mudryk out on loan?
According to SciSports’ career advice tool, Chelsea is the optimal club for Mudryk to develop his game.
The data analysis experts suggest that at Stamford Bridge, he finds excellent conditions that should aid his growth and give him the type of playing time required to improve.
Chelsea boast a Club Fit score of 84, well clear of any other team.
Mudryk's ideal clubs (SciSports)
| ClubFit | Playing Time | |
| Chelsea | 84 | *** |
| Sevilla | 80 | **** |
| Atalanta | 79 | ***** |
| PSG | 77 | **** |
| Barcelona | 77 | ***** |
Sevilla and Atalanta come next, according to SciSports’ rankings. Both of these options could be seen as attractive as they offer more guaranteed playing time than Mudryk earns in London, with the Serie A club scoring five stars in this capacity.
If the opportunity were to arise, it could be a smart move given that the key to unlocking Mudryk’s best level would appear to be the type of consistent minutes that he is right now incapable of getting at Stamford Bridge.
Nevertheless, with Chelsea best placed to develop Mudryk’s game, his sheer lack of production for Maurcio Pochettino’s side should be seen as a red flag. Something needs to click soon for the 22-year-old, who is under contract until 2031, else the Blues could see their investment come to naught.
