Chelsea reject Leeds loan bid for Mykhailo Mudryk as transfer future remains uncertain

Chelsea have rejected a season-long loan proposal from Leeds United for Mykhailo Mudryk, but the Ukraine international remains open to a move to Elland Road before the summer transfer window closes.

The clubs held discussions over the weekend, but Chelsea decided the terms offered by Leeds were not acceptable. The London club would prefer Mudryk to join a side where he is likely to receive a significant amount of playing time throughout the season.

Mudryk is still interested in a move to Leeds, meaning the proposed transfer could return to the agenda before the window shuts. Chelsea are also considering alternative offers from clubs in England and elsewhere in Europe.

Strasbourg, Chelsea’s sister club, remain interested in signing the winger, while Brentford are also monitoring the situation. Mudryk’s preference, however, is to remain in the Premier League.

Journalist Ben Jacobs said on Monday morning that Chelsea did not currently regard Leeds as a viable option, although Mudryk remained receptive to the move. He also identified Strasbourg as one of the options available to Chelsea and said it remained unclear whether Leeds would make another attempt to sign the player.

Mudryk has not played in a competitive match for Chelsea since November 2024. He became eligible to return to first-team football after his doping case was resolved during the summer.

The 24-year-old featured for Xabi Alonso’s team during pre-season and impressed with his performances. However, Chelsea have a wide range of attacking options competing for places, including Pedro Neto, Geovany Quenda, Jamie Gittens, Estevao, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.

Chelsea and Mudryk are understood to agree that regular football away from Stamford Bridge could benefit the player this season. A loan move would give him the opportunity to rebuild his form and regain consistent match practice after his lengthy absence from competitive action.

Alonso praised Mudryk’s qualities during pre-season, describing him as a special player. The manager said he remembered watching the winger during his time with Shakhtar Donetsk and had noted his ability to influence matches, particularly in one-on-one situations and through creating chances by himself.

However, Alonso also stressed that Mudryk’s progress would require time.

The player joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 and remains under consideration as the club assesses the best next step in his career. With several clubs interested and Mudryk willing to consider Leeds, the coming days are expected to be decisive.

Chelsea will continue to review their options before the transfer window closes, while Mudryk’s preference to stay in the Premier League could play an important part in determining his next destination.