“Very happy” – Mudryk’s Tottenham move welcomed as De Zerbi reunion excites former teammate
Tottenham’s decision to bring Mykhailo Mudryk to north London has been welcomed by those close to the Ukraine international, with Roberto De Zerbi’s influence playing a major role.
Spurs signed the 25-year-old from Chelsea on loan with an option to buy on deadline day, giving him the opportunity to restart his career after his lengthy doping suspension. Mudryk was cleared to return to football in July.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso reportedly did not have the winger in his plans for the new season, allowing Tottenham to secure a temporary deal.
Mudryk has also reunited with De Zerbi, who previously worked with him at Shakhtar Donetsk during the 2021/22 season. Shakhtar sporting director Darijo Srna previously revealed that De Zerbi wanted to make Mudryk his “star player” at the Ukrainian club.
The winger made his Tottenham debut last weekend, coming off the bench in the 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest.
Former Ukraine midfielder Taras Stepanenko is delighted to see Mudryk reunited with De Zerbi and believes the relationship could help him rediscover his confidence.
“We’re very happy that Misha has now joined Tottenham. He joined Roberto De Zerbi, who knows him personally. He helped him a lot in his career,” Stepanenko said.
“We all hope Misha gets back into shape, helps Tottenham, achieves results, regains his confidence, returns to his usual level and continues moving forward.”
Stepanenko also revealed that Mudryk could have been considered for a return to the Ukraine national team, although his fitness would have been an important factor.
“I think Misha is on the expanded list of the national team, but it will be up to Andrea to decide whether to call him,” he added.
“He and I are always in touch. He was looking for a team where he would feel more comfortable, so I’m very glad he came to Roberto because he will be more comfortable working with someone he already knows.”
However, Mudryk has since suffered an injury in training with Tottenham and is expected to miss the upcoming international break.
