According to British media, Tottenham is recruiting Mudryk on a loan deal for the 2026-2027 season with an option to buy for approximately 100 million USD. The London club shifted its focus to Mudryk after Manchester City secured the Iliman Ndiaye deal from Everton.

Mykhailo Mudryk during a Chelsea training session at Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong on 4/8. Photo: Reuters

Leeds had previously shown interest in Mudryk, but he will reunite with head coach Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham. The two previously worked together at Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine before Mudryk's 119 million USD transfer to Chelsea in 1/2023.

The Ukraine international has not played an official match since 11/2024, after being suspended by the Football Association (FA) for testing positive for meldonium, a performance-enhancing substance.

Mudryk asserted he was unaware of or did not intentionally use the substance, denying any wrongdoing. After resolving the matter with the FA earlier this year, Chelsea allowed the winger to leave on loan.

Tosin Adarabioyo (in blue) challenges Jorgen Strand Larsen during the Chelsea versus Wolves Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, London, England on 20/1/2025. Photo: AP

Meanwhile, Tottenham is acquiring Adarabioyo on a permanent deal for approximately 9,5 million USD. Under Premier League regulations, Tottenham cannot simultaneously loan two players from the same club in the league.

The 28-year-old center-back is likely to serve as a backup for Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke, following Kevin Danso's permitted move to Sunderland. Richarlison and Pape Matar Sarr are also expected to depart Tottenham before the transfer window closes.

Tottenham and Chelsea have rarely conducted direct transfers in recent years. Neil Sullivan was the last first-team player to move from Chelsea to Tottenham, in 2003.

Mudryk and Adarabioyo will also conclude Tottenham's historic transfer window. Previously, the club spent 413 million USD on Savio, Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, and Jan Paul van Hecke. Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, and reserve goalkeeper Martin Dubravka joined on free transfers, while Omar Marmoush moved to the club on a loan deal with an option to buy.

Despite significant spending in the transfer market, Tottenham lost their two opening Premier League matches, 0-3 against Brentford and 0-2 against Newcastle. In the third round, "The Lilywhites" will visit Nottingham Forest on 5/9.

Hong Duy