Spurs gamble on Mudryk loan as De Zerbi reunites with former winger

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Mykhailo Mudryk on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season, with an option to make the deal permanent for £75 million, marking the club’s ninth summer acquisition and adding a high‑profile winger to their London squad.

Spurs are seeking greater depth and explosiveness on the flanks after missing out on targets such as Iliman Ndiaye and Cody Gakpo. The loan arrived as a late solution, but De Zerbi’s familiarity with Mudryk makes it more than a simple fallback. The club hopes the addition will broaden options in wide areas.

De Zerbi’s familiar link

Roberto De Zerbi reunites with his former winger, having coached Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk when the Ukrainian’s pace and flair marked him as one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers. De Zerbi said: “Having worked with Misha earlier in his career, I know exactly what he can bring to our team.”

Mudryk arrived at Chelsea in 2023 for an initial £61 million after strong interest from several elite clubs. He recorded ten goals and eleven assists in 73 appearances, but his adaptation to English football was uneven and he never became a central figure in the Blues’ attack.

The winger has not featured competitively since November 2024 following a doping case that resulted in a four‑year ban for an adverse finding of meldonium. A Court of Arbitration for Sport appeal concluded last month, allowing him to return immediately after the suspension was deemed served.

Financial terms and squad depth

The loan includes an option to buy Mudryk for £75 million, turning the temporary deal into a potential record purchase for Tottenham. It is the club’s ninth signing this summer, pushing total spending beyond £300 million, and a permanent move for Tosin Adarabioyo from Chelsea is also expected.

De Zerbi expects Mudryk to add speed and one‑on‑one quality that can change games, stating: “He has the quality to change a game with his speed and ability in one‑vs‑one situations, and I will demand a lot from him.” The coach believes the player can become a very important figure if the club helps him reach his best version.

Mudryk expressed his enthusiasm, saying: “It’s a great feeling and I can’t wait to start training and playing for the club. I want to bring speed and creativity, help in both offensive and defensive areas and make the fans excited.” The loan offers him a fresh platform to rebuild rhythm, belief and reputation in the Premier League.