The Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk is still serving a temporary ban, which puts his future at Chelsea in jeopardy. The £88.5 million acquisition last played for the Blues in November 2024, scoring in a Conference League triumph over Heidenheim before completely vanishing from matchday rosters.
After it was confirmed that Mudryk’s “B” sample had tested positive for meldonium, a banned performance-enhancing drug, the FA officially accused him in June. Potential penalties for the offence range from a few months to a maximum four-year suspension, but the timing for the case’s outcome is quite unpredictable.
Throughout the process, Mudryk has adamantly maintained his innocence, claiming that he never intentionally used prohibited substances and that the positive test was a “complete shock”.
Mudryk stated on Instagram last year, “This has come as a complete shock, as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and I am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.” I’m confident that I’ve done nothing wrong and that I’ll soon be back on the pitch.
Mudryk Faces Two Quick Options to Revive His Career
The four-year prohibition that Mudryk was originally subject to might now be removed as early as January 17, 2026. The football player is awaiting a formal ruling. Interest in Mudryk is already rising despite the uncertainties.
The Spanish programme La Gran Jugada claims that they are keeping a careful eye on the situation and are willing to provide the Ukrainian a winter loan. With only 20 goals in 15 league games, Matias Almeida’s club is having trouble scoring goals and is looking for a quick, skilled winger.
However, the removal of the ban, an agreement on Mudryk’s remuneration (about €4.3 million net annually), and competition are the three main requirements for this alternative.
Because of its close ties to the French club, which is also a member of the BlueCo organisation, it is seen as the front-runner. However, there is a catch: Strasbourg currently has three Chelsea players on loan: Kendrie Paes, Mike Penders, and Mamadou Sarr. A fourth loan is forbidden by regulations.
A complete transfer or exchange is still possible, though. According to sources, Chelsea may decide to sell Mudryk with a purchase option. Rather, the club focused on Valentin Barco, an Argentine defender who caught the Londoners’ eye.
