Tottenham gamble on Ukrainian star as £75m option looms

Tottenham Hotspur have secured Mykhailo Mudryk on a season‑long loan from Chelsea, with Roberto De Zerbi’s side retaining an option to make the move permanent for £75 million should the player impress in this season for Tottenham and the club. The deal has drawn comparisons with former Chelsea striker Timo Werner, whose loan spell at the club ended without meeting expectations.

Why Tottenham chased Mudryk

Roberto De Zerbi was the chief architect of the deal, having coached the Ukrainian winger at Shakhtar Donetsk. Tottenham hope his blistering pace can add a new dimension to their attack, especially after a season that has lacked a consistent wide threat. Mudryk made his debut against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, but an ankle injury in training has since sidelined him.

Nevin’s cautionary comparison

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin told BetPack that he understands why Chelsea released Mudryk, adding that the player “simply hasn’t done enough in English football to prove himself yet”. The man who once dazzled at Chelsea, Pat Nevin, now voices his doubts and likens Mudryk’s situation to that of Timo Werner, describing the German forward as a “flawed player” who never fulfilled Chelsea’s expectations. Nevin warned that unless Mudryk retains his pure pace, he could struggle again at Tottenham.

Werner, now with San Jose Earthquakes, spent the second half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Tottenham from RB Leipzig and returned for another loan in 2024/25. During his Chelsea stint he recorded 23 goals and 31 assists in 89 matches and lifted the Champions League in 2021. At Tottenham he added three goals and seven assists in 41 appearances and was part of the Europa League‑winning side in 2025.

If Mudryk proves his fitness and impact, Tottenham can trigger the £75 million clause, securing a player who combines Ukrainian flair with elite speed. Conversely, should the injury linger or his performances falter, the loan will expire and the club will lose a sizeable financial outlay without a permanent signing. The comparison with Werner underscores the fine line between a high‑risk gamble and a potential breakthrough.