Chelsea have rejected Leeds United’s opening loan offer for Mykhailo Mudryk, although talks remain ongoing over a potential move to Elland Road before the transfer window closes.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke is looking to strengthen his attacking options and the club has made contact with Chelsea over the 25-year-old Ukraine winger. However, the first proposal fell short of Chelsea’s requirements.
There is also competition for Mudryk’s signature, with other clubs showing interest as Chelsea consider whether to allow him to leave Stamford Bridge on loan.
Leeds remain in talks despite Chelsea rejection
The rejection does not appear to have ended Leeds’ pursuit. Discussions between the clubs are continuing and a deal could still be reached if Leeds return with an improved proposal.
Mudryk is currently not training with Chelsea’s main group, according to Sky Sports News, while his future remains unresolved ahead of the transfer deadline.
Chelsea are understood to be open to loan proposals that would provide Mudryk with regular first-team football. Reports earlier this month indicated that the winger would prefer to remain in the Premier League if he leaves Chelsea temporarily.
Brentford and Coventry City have also been linked with loan moves, while Strasbourg has previously emerged as another possible destination.
Xabi Alonso yet to decide Mudryk’s future
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso refused to give a definitive answer when questioned on Thursday about what would happen with Mudryk.
“We will see, we still have time to decide and we don’t have to rush on many decisions and at the right time, we will take them. At the moment, not yet.”
The uncertainty comes only weeks after Mudryk was cleared to resume playing football following the resolution of his anti-doping case.
The winger had not played competitively since November 2024. He was initially handed a four-year suspension following a positive test, but appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Changes to World Anti-Doping Agency procedures ultimately meant that a test producing the same result today would not lead to charges, and Mudryk was cleared to return with immediate effect in July.
Chelsea face decision over £88m signing
Mudryk joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 in a transfer worth an initial £62 million and potentially rising to around £88 million with add-ons.
He remains tied to a long-term Chelsea contract, but the immediate question is where he will play this season as Alonso assesses his squad.
Leeds have now made the first concrete move, but Chelsea’s rejection means Farke’s side will have to improve the terms if they are to take Mudryk to Elland Road.
