Tottenham Reportedly Close to Deadline-Day Move for Mykhailo Mudryk
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing to complete another major signing before the transfer window closes, with Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk said to be nearing a move to north London.
Spurs have spent heavily this summer under Roberto De Zerbi, leading to comparisons with the club’s busy 2013 transfer window following Gareth Bale’s departure. That earlier rebuild produced mixed results, although players such as Christian Eriksen and Erik Lamela went on to make significant contributions.
This time, however, Tottenham’s recruitment strategy has been somewhat different. Rather than relying predominantly on players arriving from abroad, the club have focused heavily on footballers who already have experience of the Premier League.
Despite the huge fees involved — including the reported £100 million spent on Sandro Tonali — Spurs believe that signing players familiar with English football could help the new squad adapt more quickly.
Their opening-day defeat against Brentford was difficult to judge because several important players were unavailable. Savio was also absent for the Newcastle United match, meaning De Zerbi has yet to work with his strongest possible team.
Mudryk reportedly nearing Tottenham move
Tottenham have a history of making significant deadline-day signings, with players such as Hugo Lloris, Rafael van der Vaart and Lucas Moura all arriving around the final stages of previous transfer windows.
According to reports, Spurs could now be preparing another major late move.
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is reportedly close to joining Tottenham. Reports claim that the Ukrainian has already agreed personal terms, while Chelsea and Spurs have also reached an agreement over the transfer.
The proposed deal is reportedly an initial loan with an option to buy for around £75 million, with Mudryk expected to undergo a medical.
The move would represent a major gamble for Tottenham, but De Zerbi could potentially be an ideal manager to help the winger rediscover his confidence.
The pair previously worked together at Shakhtar Donetsk, where Mudryk produced impressive attacking numbers. During his time under De Zerbi, he reportedly contributed 11 goals in 19 appearances.
Overall, Mudryk recorded 29 goals and assists in 47 appearances for Shakhtar across all competitions.
His Chelsea spell has been considerably more difficult, although his overall numbers are not as poor as some critics might suggest. He has reportedly scored or assisted 21 goals in 73 appearances for the London club.
At 25, Mudryk still has plenty of time to rebuild his career and demonstrate why Chelsea originally invested heavily in him.
Could Mudryk follow the Gareth Bale pathway?
Tottenham supporters may remember that Gareth Bale also endured a difficult beginning at the club before eventually developing into one of the world’s most dangerous attackers.
Mudryk possesses some similarities to Bale. Both are explosive left-sided players who rely heavily on pace, power and direct attacking play.
If De Zerbi can bring out the best in Mudryk again, Tottenham could potentially have a very dangerous attacking option.
Former Liverpool and England striker Stan Collymore previously suggested that Mudryk could develop physically and stylistically in a way similar to Bale.
There have even been suggestions that some clubs previously viewed Mudryk as having the potential to become a future Ballon d’Or contender.
Considering his struggles at Chelsea, that prediction now appears extremely ambitious. Nevertheless, his talent remains significant, and Tottenham may believe that working with De Zerbi could help him reach the level many expected when he first emerged.
If the reported transfer goes through, Spurs will hope their new manager can revive Mudryk’s career and turn him into a major difference-maker.
Note: The claims in the original article about the agreement, medical, £75m option and Ballon d’Or potential are presented as reports/allegations from the source, not as independently confirmed facts.
