Cameron Smith
Enzo Maresca, Mykhailo Mudryk, Chelsea, 2024/25
© IMAGO
Chelsea are open to offloading Mykhailo Mudryk during the January transfer window, according to sensational recent reports.
The Ukraine international has struggled since his initial €70 million move from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023, and he has been linked with a Chelsea exit for several months.
CaughtOffside have now reported that Mudryk could leave Stamford Bridge on loan in January, with Barcelona, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United all reportedly interested in finalising a deal with Chelsea.
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Marseille were also eager to acquire the 23-year-old during the summer transfer window, with Roberto De Zerbi pushing for a move, while Strasbourg, Chelsea’s sister club, have been linked with Mudryk too.
CaughtOffside claim that Chelsea would also be open to selling Mudryk during the winter window, but FootballTransfers understands that such reports are wide of the mark, with the Blues keen to retain the Ukraine winger.
Mudryk was hooked at half-time during his only Premier League start of the season so far, versus Wolverhampton Wanderers in August, while he has already been an unused substitute in five English top flight matches this campaign.
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However, he has played every available minute in the Europa Conference League, amassing three goals and three assists in four appearances in the competition.
Newcastle are reportedly the frontrunners in the race to sign Mudryk on loan, as per CaughtOffside, with Eddie Howe eager to bolster his forward line with the addition of the Chelsea star.
Mykhailo Mudryk, Chelsea
© IMAGO - Mykhailo Mudryk, Chelsea
What has Enzo Maresca said about Mykhailo Mudryk?
Following Mudryk’s first goal of the season against Panathinaikos in October, Maresca told reporters: “I’m very happy, not for me but for him [Mudryk].
“We as a staff, we spend a long, long time helping the players; not only Misha but the whole squad. Since we started, we have been working with Misha and all the wingers to arrive in the box, into the position where Misha scored.
“He struggled to arrive there and now he is starting to arrive there. That is where we are going to score goals.
“We want the best for Misha,” Maresca continued. “Since day one, we have been trying to help Misha.
“Probably for him, he is one of the guys that the learning process is slower compared to the rest but he is improving. I'm sure that slowly, slowly we will have Misha scoring more goals and being important for us."