Mykhailo Mudryk, has had a tough two-year spell in west London after his move from Shakhtar Donetsk, which could rise to £89 million.
The Ukrainian winger managed seven goals in 41 matches last season and has yet to score during the 2024-25 campaign, despite eight appearances across all competitions.
Mudryk was given a rare start in Chelsea’s 4-2 Conference League victory over Gent before the international break, providing an accurate cross for Renato Veiga’s opening goal.
However, the 23-year-old still struggles for consistent playing time and hasn’t started a Premier League match since being substituted at half-time against Wolves in August.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has challenged Mudryk to improve if he wants to regain his spot in the starting lineup, though it’s a difficult task with Noni Madueke in fine form and Jadon Sancho joining on deadline day.
Former Everton defender Alan Stubbs has suggested it could be a long road back for Mudryk, who has so far failed to meet expectations at Stamford Bridge.
‘I think the most overrated or the biggest disappointment in terms of not living up to the hype, has to be Mykhailo Mudryk,’ he told BestBettingSites.com.
‘They snatched the player from under the noses of Arsenal, and his capture was presented as a real coup, a statement.
‘He just hasn’t looked anywhere near the player that we all hoped he could be in his time at the club.
‘When I watched him playing in the Champions League for Shakhtar Donetsk, I thought that he looked like a world-beater. I was really excited to see what he was going to bring to the Premier League, but it hasn’t happened for him. He has just flattered to deceive.’
Mudryk wasn’t the only Chelsea signing to face Stubbs’ criticism, as the former Hibernian manager also raised concerns about the performances of Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo in the central midfield.
‘I think serious questions also need to be asked about Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo,’ he added.
‘They’re both good players, but have they performed anywhere near the level that you expect from midfielders that cost over £100m? I don’t think they’ve made the impact that you’d be looking for from them for such a significant investment.
‘They’re both top players, we’ve seen them do it before, but I haven’t watched them play for Chelsea and seen them dominate. That’s what you expect from players with those kinds of price tags.’
