Chelsea are reportedly open to letting Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk leave the club during the January transfer window, with French side Marseille expressing a keen interest in securing the services of the 23-year-old. Mudryk, who was signed by Chelsea in a high-profile move from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023, has struggled to make a consistent impact at Stamford Bridge, leading to speculation about his future just one year after his arrival.
Mudryk’s Struggles at Chelsea
When Chelsea splashed out £88.5 million to sign Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk, the winger was seen as a statement signing, reflecting the club’s ambition to rebuild under new ownership. Mudryk arrived with a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents, following standout performances in the Ukrainian Premier League and in European competition.
Despite his pace, flair, and dribbling ability, Mudryk has failed to produce the goal contributions Chelsea expected, managing just a handful of assists and no goals in his debut campaign.
The winger’s confidence appeared to wane as the season progressed, and he often found himself either benched or substituted early in matches. Mudryk’s limited impact in the final third raised questions about his role at Chelsea, particularly with the club undergoing a period of transition under multiple managers.
This season, under Mauricio Pochettino, Mudryk’s fortunes have not improved significantly. Although there have been flashes of the player’s potential, his lack of end product and inability to cement a regular starting spot has led to speculation about whether Chelsea view him as part of their long-term project.
Marseille’s Interest and Potential Move
French club Marseille have emerged as one of the frontrunners to sign Mudryk if Chelsea decide to part ways with the Ukrainian international in January. Marseille, who are currently competing in Ligue 1 and looking to strengthen their squad for both domestic and European competitions, view Mudryk as an ideal player to inject pace and creativity into their attacking lineup.
Marseille has a track record of giving players a second chance to prove themselves, and Mudryk could benefit from the less intense media scrutiny and a slower-paced league compared to the Premier League.
A loan move with an option to buy could be on the cards, as it would allow Marseille to assess Mudryk’s form and fitness before committing to a permanent deal. For Chelsea, this type of arrangement would provide them with some financial relief, especially given the high transfer fee they paid for the winger, while also potentially reviving the player’s market value.
Chelsea’s Squad Overhaul
Chelsea’s willingness to offload Mudryk is also part of a broader strategy of streamlining their squad and focusing on players who fit into manager Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical plans. Since the arrival of the club’s new owners, Chelsea have spent heavily on new signings but have also faced criticism for their bloated squad, which has caused issues with squad harmony and selection dilemmas.
The departures of players like Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, and Mateo Kovacic over the summer marked the beginning of a major squad overhaul.
Moreover, with Chelsea already boasting a wealth of attacking talent, including Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke, and Christopher Nkunku, Mudryk has struggled to secure a consistent role in the starting lineup. Pochettino is likely to focus on players who can deliver immediate results, and Mudryk may find it difficult to break into the team given the competition for places.
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