Why Roberto De Zerbi bets on Mudryk’s revival at Tottenham

Why Roberto De Zerbi remains convinced he can unlock Mykhailo Mudryk’s potential at Tottenham, the former Brighton manager who once called the 25‑year‑old Ukraine a future Ballon D'Or winner, is laid out in a September piece by MATT BARLOW, FOOTBALL WRITER, as the loan with a £75 million option begins now.

Shared history and loan terms

De Zerbi and Mudryk worked together at Shakhtar Donetsk, giving the coach a clear appreciation of the Ukrainian winger, who has joined Tottenham on loan for the season with a £75 million option to buy. He says he understands the winger’s technical gifts, his defensive work‑rate and his attitude on and off the pitch. The loan also reflects De Zerbi’s belief that Mudryk can still develop into the talent he once hailed.

Mudryk’s £89 million move to Chelsea in January 2023 collapsed after a four‑year doping ban was imposed in November 2024; the ban was cut short this summer, leaving him without competitive action since that date. He has not played since November 2024, serving most of the suspension before its early termination. Mudryk won player of the season in his one year under De Zerbi in 2021‑22, a reminder of the quality the coach hopes to rekindle.

Spurs' attacking challenges

Spurs have struggled for goals, recording no scorer in the opening two Premier League games, while injuries have sidelined Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Mohamed Kudus for much of 2026. Meanwhile, the squad also counts on Savio, Omar Marmoush and Mathys Tel to add creativity, though all have struggled for minutes this year. The club’s 25‑man squad announced last night excludes Richarlison, whose move to Trabzonspor is pending, and also leaves Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert weeks from fitness after serious knee injuries.

The eight attacking or creative players have managed only 33 appearances and nine goals in the league this year, underscoring the shortage of firepower. Since Thomas Frank’s dismissal, the team has lost set‑piece threat and aerial strength, with departures of Cristian Romero, Kevin Danso, Radu Dragusin, Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani, prompting a defensive upgrade that arrived early in the summer. Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes were expensive and are yet to find their best rhythm but should strengthen midfield.

The contrast between De Zerbi’s belief in reviving a once‑promising talent and Spurs’ broader shortage of firepower underscores a season where hope must translate into performance, or the loan could end without the promised impact. The hope still hangs in the balance as the season unfolds, and Mudryk’s revival will be a key test for the manager’s project.