Ever since signing for Chelsea for a reported initial fee of €70million in January 2023, potentially rising to €100million, Mykhailo Mudryk has endured a frustrating and disappointing start to life in London. Chelsea famously pipped Arsenal to the signature of the Ukrainian, and he was initially seen as a very exciting signing – one who may finally be able to fill Eden Hazard’s illustrious boots.
However, Mudryk has only shone in small flashes, and has largely endured poor performances for Chelsea during his first 18 months. After another frantic transfer window at Stamford Bridge, Mudryk’s place in the starting eleven is in serious doubt, and it remains to be seen whether he will even be a significant member of Chelsea’s squad.
Sancho Steps In
What could be Mudryk’s final nail in the coffin of his long-term Stamford Bridge future, was the arrival of Jadon Sancho on an initial season-long loan from Manchester United, a move which Chelsea are obligated to make permanent next summer. Similarly to Mudryk, Sancho has endured a frustrating and stop-start career thus far, showing flashes of brilliance during his various stints at Borussia Dortmund, whilst his time at Man United can only be described as disastrous.
That being said, Enzo Maresca will be hoping to get the best out of Sancho, and alongside the likes of Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto and João Félix to name a few – Chelsea have an embarrassment of riches in the attacking department. Where Mudryk fits into this, and where he is in Maresca’s hierarchy, remains to be seen.
Perhaps Patience is Needed?
The whole project that Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are creating at Chelsea is one of creating a young team which can grow and gel together into worldclass superstars and return trophies to Stamford Bridge. However, patience was always going to be a necessity for this, and after a semi-successful season under Mauricio Pochettino last time out, Chelsea will be looking to make further steps towards this goal in the 2024-25 season.
Mudryk was signed as one to fit this project perfectly – a rough talent, but a talent that with the right tutelage could go on to be one of the world’s best. Mudryk has shown he has the speed, tenacity and determination to match this, but the Stamford Bridge faithful will only give him so long to reach those levels. After over 18 months, the 23-year-old’s time may be dwindling to show his true talents, and this Chelsea regime won’t persist with his inconsistent performances forever.
The Europa Conference League – The Stage is Set
Mudryk has only started one Premier League game so far this season, and in that he was hooked at half time before a sensational second half performance saw Chelsea demolish Wolves 6-2. However, Mudryk has started both of Chelsea’s Europa League Conference play off games so far, and looks set to be in Chelsea’s ‘B team’, alongside the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and Filip Jörgensen, who will predominantly play in cup competitions.
It is vital that Mudryk uses this competition, alongside any domestic cup runs, to build momentum and performances so that he can begin to force his way back into Maresca’s starting eleven. Whether this will be enough will be determined throughout the season, but if the disdain around Stamford Bridge regarding Mudryk’s performances continues, come next summer the Chelsea hierarchy will be forced into a tough decision about whether to stick or twist with one of their most expensive arrivals.
