There are many mysteries surrounding the man known as Misha. One of the hottest assets in European football has become an expensive afterthought.
And now this. A career that was promised to the earth has fallen into a vicious cycle. We are at rock bottom right now.
Mykhailo Mudryk joined Chelsea in January 2023 with much fanfare. Signed from Shakhtar Donetsk for £88 million, the Ukrainian became the poster child for the club’s new star-studded era following Roman Abramovich.
His contract, snatched from Arsenal’s doorstep, was seen as a victory for Chelsea’s American ownership.
The Gunners tried their best to sign Madrik but were thwarted by Chelsea’s millions.
Money speaks, and in this case, the millions of Todd Boley and Clear Lake Capital spoke volumes.
Mykhailo Mudryk is believed to have been suspended from football after being notified of a positive drug test result.
The Ukrainian joined from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 for an astronomical fee of £88 million.
His signing demonstrated Chelsea’s wild approach in the transfer market following the acquisition of Todd Boley (centre) and Clear Lake Capital.
Madrik and his entourage were given a tour of the inner workings of Stamford Bridge on the day of the match when they arrived in London with the aim of making a permanent move to the Big Smoke.
The circus that was created was not what then-head coach Graham Potter had hoped for. On game day, the tunnel and locker room areas become sacred spaces.
But Mudriku was a special case. At least that’s what Chelsea’s owners thought.
“This is a huge club in a great league and a very attractive project for me at this stage of my career,” Mudryk said at the time of signing.
If only he knew. Of course, in terms of results, it’s 20/20. There’s no question who got the better end of that deal.
Arsenal signed Leandro Trossard in his place and became one of the strongest teams in European football without Mudryk.
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea are finally making positive progress. But that progress has largely been achieved without Mudryk, and he has consistently flattered Chelsea to deceive them.
And now comes the news that he has tested positive for drugs.
The winger was finally starting to show promise after making regular positive contributions under coach Enzo Maresca in the Conference League.
Those who spent time with Mudrik describe a quiet, almost timid man who struggled to cope with the challenges of life in a foreign land, especially when his homeland was torn apart by conflict. His understanding of English is also considered a disability.
One person who played and trained with Mudryk said he was an easy-going soul who was determined to prove himself in Europe’s toughest league. Not only that, but he’s trying to prove that he’s worth the price tag.
“He felt 100 percent the pressure to transfer,” the player said.
“He was a good trainer and always put in extra practice in the gym. But the criticism, especially from the fans, was hard for him to accept.”
In contrast, some indicate his nightlife tendencies. This attraction is not necessarily unusual for foreign footballers, who are seduced by the bright lights and temptations of the capital.
There were issues that have been kept hidden behind the scenes amid concerns about his maturity.
But despite clearly failing to live up to his expectations, and certainly despite his high price tag, the talent is undeniable.
Frank Lampard, Mauricio Pochettino, Potter and Maresca will all have a story or two to tell about Mudryk.
Some people close to the 23-year-old have hinted at his penchant for nightlife.
Those who played and trained with Madrik describe an easy-going soul who became obsessive about trying to prove himself.
But they would also describe him as a footballer who has all the qualities to become one of the most powerful attackers on the world stage.
That’s why the 23-year-old has been given his chance at Chelsea.
There was interest in Mudryk from Spain in the summer, but by all accounts Maresca liked what he saw in pre-season.
He was selected in the matchday squad ahead of Raheem Sterling for the opening game of the season against Manchester City, and started the following week’s game away to Wolves.
He played just 45 minutes before being replaced by Molineux. Mudryk has not started in the Premier League since then, but has made six substitute appearances and played in Europe and the Carabao Cup.
Indeed, the lack of first-team football has been a problem for Chelsea, who are paying Mudryk around £100,000 a week.
Of course, that’s a problem for Mudryk, who is trying to get his once thriving career back on track.
Those problems seem trivial compared to what Chelsea and Mudryk are currently facing.
