€150m midfielder opens up on Chelsea links and Mudryk bromance

Tom Weber

• Updated: 20 Mar 2024 21:56 GMT
• 4 min read

Georgiy Sudakov has spoken about his future and his close friendship with Mykhailo Mudryk.

The Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder has become one of Europe's most in-demand talents, with a new club seemingly linked with the 21-year-old every week. This is not particularly surprising as Sudakov has starred for club and country in recent times.

At first, it appeared as though there would be another Mudryk scenario on the cards, with Arsenal and Chelsea set to do battle over his signature. Since the initial rumours, however, a host of other sides have been credited with an interest in the Ukrainian.

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In Italy, Juventus are the club who have been most prominently linked with a move for Sudakov as they continue to look for a replacement for the banned Paul Pogba. More recent speculation has claimed that Liverpool have moved into pole position for the youngster, while one sensational report asserted that City Football Group-owned Girona are keen to beat Barcelona to his signature.

Regardless of who is currently in 'pole position' to sign Sudakov, there will be a major stumbling block: his release clause. The Ukrainian recently penned a new deal with Shakhtar that includes a release clause worth an eye-watering €150 million. While unlikely that the Donetsk giants will insist on it being triggered, it's clear that Sudakov won't come cheap.

Sudako speaks out on rumours

The 21-year-old has now addressed the frequent speculation surrounding his future, stating that he doesn't really care where he ends up; he just wants to play in a top-five league. "I cannot name one club," he told 90min.

"There are many clubs in Europe that show very stable and good results and play at a great level. And perhaps I cannot choose one championship either. Playing in the top five leagues is a dream for any footballer."

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His friendship with Mudryk has long since been as a potential ace up Chelsea's sleeve should their interest become concrete. Sudakov admitted that his mate could have a role to play in his future: "I hope I make the right decisions. Mykhailo and I talk every day, and in some situations, I learn from him and he gives me advice."

Mudryk, who cost Chelsea €70m, is still considered a flop at Stamford Bridge, but Sudakov backed his friend to come good: "He’s having new challenges at Chelsea this season, but he is a very talented player with very big ambitions...I am sure that he has a bright future ahead of him at Chelsea. It just requires time, and people should trust him."