Mykhailo Mudryk could be set for a move away from Stamford Bridge, with Coventry City emerging as potential suitors for the Ukrainian wide player seeking regular Premier League opportunities.
The 25-year-old has been suggested as a potential signing for the Midlands club, with Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink suggesting that Frank Lampard’s previous connection with the player at Chelsea could prove pivotal in any deal materialising.
Mudryk has been sidelined since November 2024, when Chelsea won away at Heidenheim. The forward received a four-year ban from the Football Association for an anti-doping infraction after testing positive for meldonium, though he challenged the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The suspension has since been overturned, yet he appears unlikely to feature prominently under Xabi Alonso this term. The attacker, who cost £88.5million when arriving from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023, can leave on loan.
Former Chelsea striker Hasselbaink views Coventry as an ideal destination. Lampard amassed 648 appearances for the London club and previously worked with Mudryk during his short tenure as interim manager at Stamford Bridge three years prior.
When questioned about whether Chelsea should prioritise negotiations with Coventry given Lampard’s connections, Hasselbaink indicated that the former England international understands the player and has previously collaborated with him. He noted that Coventry would require pacey players capable of executing counter-attacking strategies, which suits Mudryk’s attributes. From Mudryk’s perspective, the forward needs a manager who comprehends him and will provide support and patience to resurrect his career after a difficult period.
Coventry require additional top-flight know-how ahead of their first Premier League season in a quarter of a century. Lampard’s side meet reigning champions Arsenal on Friday evening in their initial top-flight encounter since a goalless home result against Bradford in May 2001.
This follows an active transfer window, with eight new faces joining at the CBS Arena, among them Caleb Yirenkyi, Carl Rushworth, Loum Tchaouna, Aurele Amenda and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Owner Doug King is optimistic about the campaign and believes the club has made shrewd acquisitions. He explained that promoted clubs must refresh their squad quality to match what secured their elevation, and Coventry have sought to bring in players capable of competing at this level.