Chelsea rejects Leeds United loan bid for winger Mykhailo Mudryk

Leeds United have made an initial loan offer for Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk, which was rejected by the London club as negotiations continue ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline. The 25-year-old Ukrainian international is seeking regular playing time after returning to competitive football following a lengthy doping ban.

Chelsea turned down Leeds' opening bid, submitted on August 21, 2026, deeming the terms significantly below their valuation for a player they signed from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 for a fee reported to be around £88.5 million. However, discussions between the two clubs are ongoing, with Chelsea actively exploring loan options to secure Mudryk consistent minutes. The club is not open to a permanent sale this summer.

Mudryk's availability stems from a doping violation that kept him out of competitive football for nearly 20 months. His last match was a Conference League tie against Heidenheim on November 28, 2024. His case was resolved by the Football Association on July 31, 2026, when his provisional ban was lifted. He returned to the pitch for Chelsea in a preseason friendly on August 5, making three brief substitute appearances during the club's...