Mudryk set for January exit after Maresca’s ‘do better’ warning

Robin Bairner

11 Oct 2024 13:00 BST
2 min read

Chelsea are ready to allow winger Mykhailo Mudryk to leave in the January transfer window.

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Mudryk arrived at Stamford Bridge nearly two years ago in a €70 million deal from Shakhtar Donetsk, but though Arsenal also hotly pursued the 23-year-old, he has proven to be an unmitigated disaster, scoring only seven goals during his time with the Blues.

There was some optimism that when Enzo Maresca arrived in the summer as Chelsea’s new manager Mudryk’s potential may be unlocked, yet he has played only four Premier League matches as a substitute. He has yet to score in eight appearances across all competitions but has recorded two assists.

Now Chelsea are willing to allow him to leave in January, according to GiveMeSport.

Mudryk had previously been warned by Maresca that his form had to improve.

“I don’t think it’s a lack of confidence,” the Italian brutally said. “Misha is Misha, you have to accept the way he is. Hopefully he can get minutes and do better.”

STATS

Mykhaylo Mudryk

M, AM (L)

Chelsea

Mykhaylo Mudryk

M, AM (L)

Chelsea

9

Games
0

Goals
2

Assists

Why do Chelsea not sell Mudryk?

Any January move will likely be brokered as a loan deal.

GiveMeSport states: “There is a growing trail of thought at Stamford Bridge at the moment that a loan move could be the best chance for the speedy wide man to find form and confidence - not only to boost his own form for the rest of the season, but to properly challenge for starting spots at Chelsea next season.

“A loan will be contemplated more closely in December once the transfer window closes in, but if the right opportunity comes along that can benefit Mudryk, Chelsea and any interested club, a loan deal could be sanctioned.”

In any case, buyers for Mudryk would be hard to find.

Clubs are unlikely to pay the type of money Chelsea will expect for the winger given his lavish transfer fee. On top of this, Mudryk has a contract that runs until 2031 with the Blues, which is thought to be worth around €6 million (£5m) per year.

Given the recent form of the Ukraine star, it seems improbable that any team will be willing to gamble matching the €40m he has left on his Blues deal, even if Chelsea were willing to release him at his €48.6m Estimated Transfer Value (ETV).

With this in mind, Chelsea are better promoting a loan move for Mudryk in January and hoping he can rebuild some value and, ideally, rediscover the form that prompted them to buy him for so much in the first place.