Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has officially joined Tottenham Hotspur on a season-long loan for the duration of the 2026–27 campaign. The move, completed on transfer deadline day, marks a critical attempt by the 25-year-old to resurrect his career following a prolonged period of inactivity. It is the first time a player has moved between Chelsea and Tottenham since Carlo Cudicini in 2009. The agreement includes an option to buy, which has been widely reported at £75 million.
Stint at Stamford Bridge
Mudryk’s arrival in north London follows a difficult stint at Stamford Bridge. He joined Chelsea in January 2023 for a deal worth €100m (£89m), comprising an initial €70m and €30m in add-ons, after the Blues beat Arsenal to his signature. However, the Ukraine international struggled to live up to that price tag. His situation became further complicated when he was banned for returning an adverse reading for the banned substance meldonium, which is known to increase respiratory capacity and stamina. His last competitive match for Chelsea took place on 28 November 2024.
Court of Arbitration for Sport
Following his suspension, Mudryk was initially given a four-year ban by the Football Association. However, after an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, he was able to resolve his case with the FA at the end of July, clearing him for an immediate return to football. He accepted breaking anti-doping rules and agreed to a suspension equal to the time he had already served. The FA noted that if his test had been conducted under current World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules regarding meldonium, the concentration in his sample would not have been reported as an adverse finding.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi
The loan move to Tottenham provides a path to regular minutes that were unlikely to be afforded at Chelsea, where opportunities were at a premium under Xabi Alonso. Tottenham pivoted to Mudryk as a last resort on deadline day after complications emerged in their pursuit of Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye. While Spurs appeared set to sign the Senegal international, Manchester City re-entered the race with an agreement. Tottenham had also previously explored deals for Cody Gakpo and Iliman Ndiaye, and were eager to add another left winger to compete with Mathys Tel despite recent significant spending on former Manchester City forwards Sávio and Omar Marmoush.
The primary attraction for Mudryk in the move to Tottenham was the opportunity to reunite with manager Roberto De Zerbi. The pair worked together at Shakhtar Donetsk during the 2021–22 season, where De Zerbi oversaw the winger’s breakthrough. De Zerbi, who once tipped Mudryk as a future Ballon d’Or winner and described him as “like a son,” pushed for the signing. Following the announcement, De Zerbi stated that because he had worked with Misha earlier in his career, he knew exactly what the player could bring to the team, noting that he possesses the quality to change a game with his speed and ability in one-on-one situations and is an exciting, attacking talent. The manager added that he would demand a great deal from Misha and that it was their job to help him find the best version of himself.
Mudryk expressed his enthusiasm for the move, telling the club’s website that it was a wonderful feeling, that he could not wait to start training and playing for the club, and that he was very excited to be reunited with Roberto De Zerbi. He described himself as a player who brings speed and creativity, adding that he wants to contribute in both offensive and defensive areas and make the fans excited.
For Mudryk, this season represents a make-or-break opportunity to prove his quality after two years away from the sport.