Things didn’t go very well for the Ukrainian Chelsea star before he was banned due to doping, and now that he’s rusty after being out for a while, Mykhailo Mudryk, most people think a minor league to build up on is wise.
Now it looks like the continuation will be in the Premier League after all. – In a “smaller” club than Chelsea, but still.
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Leeds have made contact with Chelsea to reach a deal for Mykhailo Mudryk’s £62 million high.
Mykhailo Mudryk is finally free to play again after all doping charges were dropped in July. Now the Ukrainian winger could get a second chance – not at Chelsea, but on loan to Leeds.
From exclusion to transfer saga
It has been a turbulent time for Mykhailo Mudryk. In December 2024, he was temporarily suspended by the FA after a positive doping test. In June 2025, he was charged with violating the anti-doping rules – and in April this year he was banned for a full four years, until 2028.
At the end of July, all charges were dropped, and Mudryk was suddenly back – as a free man.
Now he is training again with Chelsea, and Xabi Alonso has let him join the pre-season. But his future at Stamford Bridge is far from certain.
Leeds want him – but Chelsea say no (for now)
According to GIVEMESPORT, Leeds want to sign Mudryk on loan this summer. Talks between the club and the player are ongoing, and sources confirm that the Ukrainian international is open to a move to Elland Road.
The problem? Chelsea have already rejected Leeds’ first loan attempt.
The club does not currently want to sell Mudryk permanently, but is reportedly open to a loan – if the terms are right. Leeds hope to convince the London club with an improved offer.
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Not just Mudryk – Leeds are also looking for a striker
Mudryk is not Leeds’ only attacking desire, they also want Chelsea striker Liam Delap on their radar. The asking price there is said to be £50 million, but Leeds are hoping to make a deal for around £40 million.
In other words: Leeds are working on several fronts to strengthen their attack before the window closes.
Alonso: “He’s a special player”
Xabi Alonso has spoken warmly about Mudryk, despite the chaotic period:
“Everything has happened so fast, so the most important thing is to think about the person. To feel like he’s back in the group dynamic, part of a team. But he is definitely a special player,” Alonso said.
“It’s a special case with him, so we have to be sensitive,” he added.
Timeline: Mudryk’s roller coaster
| Date | Incident |
|---|---|
| January 2023 | Signing for Chelsea for £89 million |
| October 2023 | First goal for Chelsea – against Fulham |
| March 2024 | Scores winning goal against Iceland and sends Ukraine to the European Championship |
| December 2024 | Temporarily suspended by FA for positive doping test |
| June 2025 | Charged with anti-doping rule violations |
| April 2026 | Banned for four years – until 2028 |
| July 2026 | All charges dropped – free to play again |
Will Leeds take the risk?
Mudryk has not played a competitive match in over a year and a half. Can he find his way back to the form that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after wingers? There is a big question mark.
But for Leeds, who need quality and x-factor in attack, a loan could be a risk worth taking. The question is whether Chelsea will eventually say yes – and whether Mudryk himself wants to start again in the Championship.
