Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is still hoping to bring Mykhailo Mudryk to the club – but sources report that Chelsea’s demands could be too tough for the West Yorkshire club.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has stated that he is “carefully optimistic” about strengthening the squad before the transfer window closes. However, sources give a more pessimistic assessment of the chances of persuading Chelsea to send Mykhailo Mudryk on loan to Elland Road.
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The West Yorkshire club have opened the new season with two straight wins over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground – first in the Premier League and then on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup, where Leeds were superior.
With four signings already in place this summer – Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic, James Trafford and Nico Elvedi – Farke must be delighted that all four have delivered the goods so far.
At least three new players on the wish list
But Leeds are far from done. Sources confirm that the club wants at least three new additions before the window closes – and a fourth, in the form of an attacking midfielder or winger, is also considered desirable.
The fact is that Leeds have spent £80 million and sold for around £30 million – which gives a net spend of about £50 million so far. This provides room for manoeuvre for further signings.
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Farke gave an update on the search for reinforcements before the window closes at 11 p.m. on Tuesday evening:
“There was never a transfer window where I got all my wishes fulfilled! But I am carefully optimistic that we will have a good end to the window.
“I’m happy with the signings so far. But we know that there are definitely some positions where we can improve – and need to improve the squad for a long, long season.
“That’s what our supporters deserve. That’s what the club deserves. That’s what Leeds United deserve – that we do our utmost until the last second to give ourselves the best squad possible.
“It’s always a bit demanding because we want to work sustainably, and we work with limited resources. Sometimes we have to be a little more creative than other clubs. Nevertheless, we are ambitious and want more high-quality signings. Then we cross our fingers that it works out.
Mudryk – a hard nut to crack
Farke also hinted at where he still wants to reinforce:
“It’s important that we add a little more, because I wouldn’t say that the squad is too big right now. We definitely need a few more experienced players back from injury – like Wilfried Gnonto, Gabi Gudmundsson and Ilia Gruev – and hopefully a few more signings as well.
“All my centre-backs have delivered so far. That’s pretty good. We have played with about four centre-backs in three positions. I doubt that over a long season only four centre-backs are needed. So we have to stay awake there.
One player Leeds have had talks about in the past week is Chelsea star Mudryk.
The Ukrainian is ready to resume his career after being out of action since November 2024 – when he was suspended due to alleged doping crimes. Now that all charges have been dropped, he is free to play again. Chelsea are keen to send him on loan – and Leeds are one of the clubs in the race for his signature.
Although Fabrizio Romano reports that Mudryk’s first choice is Leeds, a deal seems difficult. Chelsea are demanding guaranteed playing time for the Ukrainian – and Leeds can’t promise that.
Chelsea want guarantee: “Leeds can’t promise it”
TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey has spoken to sources close to Chelsea:
“Chelsea want guaranteed minutes for Mudryk to help him kickstart his career. Leeds cannot guarantee that. He will probably just be a squad option and have to wait for the chance.
“Chelsea’s ideal is to send Mudryk to sister club Strasbourg, where they can effectively guarantee him playing time. They cannot dictate it to Leeds – which is why they have so far rejected Leeds’ proposal.
“That doesn’t mean it can’t happen, but as it is now, Chelsea prefer him to go somewhere else.
In addition to Leeds and Strasbourg, Napoli and Coventry are also interested in the Ukrainian.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso did not want to say anything concrete about Mudryk’s future when asked earlier in the week:
“We’ll see. We still have time to decide, and we don’t have to rush decisions. When the time is right, we will take them – not yet.
RB Leipzig striker topical? Probably not
Reports on Tuesday linked Leeds to a transfer for an RB Leipzig striker – but sources can reveal that although Leeds have learned of his availability, a transfer is unlikely.
Leeds are chasing on – but the Mudryk dream could unravel.
