Mudryk joins Tottenham on loan as De Zerbi reunion offers fresh start

The deal includes an option for Spurs to make the 25-year-old winger's move permanent for 75 million pounds, with Mudryk becoming the first player to move directly between the two London rivals since Carlo Cudicini in 2009.

The Ukraine international has endured a difficult spell since arriving at Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk for a fee of around 85 million pounds in January 2023. He scored 10 goals and registered 11 assists in 73 appearances for the Blues but has struggled to justify his price tag.

His career was further disrupted by a doping case after an adverse urine sample, which kept him out of competitive football for around 20 months. The case was resolved in July, allowing Mudryk to resume his career.

He featured during Chelsea's pre-season tour of Australia and Asia, including a friendly against Juventus in Hong Kong, but was left out of Xabi Alonso's squads for the opening Premier League wins over Fulham and Brighton and the Carabao Cup victory against Luton.

A move to Tottenham now gives Mudryk the chance to work again with Roberto De Zerbi, who coached him at Shakhtar and previously backed him to reach the highest level of the game.

"Having worked with Misha earlier in his career, I know exactly what he can bring to our team," De Zerbi said.

"He has the quality to change a game with his speed and ability in one-vs-one situations, and is an exciting, attacking talent.

"I will demand a lot from Misha and it is our job to help him find the best version of himself. If we do that then he can become a very important player for us."

Mudryk said he was excited to reunite with De Zerbi and begin his Tottenham career.

"I'm a player who brings speed and creativity, and I want to help in both the offensive and defensive areas," he said. "I want to make the fans excited."

The move came after Tottenham missed out on attempts to strengthen their attack with Everton's Iliman Ndiaye, who joined Manchester City, while Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo appears set to remain at Anfield.

Mudryk is Spurs' ninth signing of the transfer window as the club's spending approaches 400 million pounds.

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