Words from Frank Leboeuf, former Chelsea center-back, who did not hold back in his criticism of the 23-year-old Ukrainian winger, who cost the Blues 70 million euros in January 2023.
Signed from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 for 70 million euros, Mykhaylo Mudryk has yet to convince at Chelsea, having scored seven goals and provided three assists in 58 games for the Blues so far.
He has faced heavy criticism since his move to the Blues. The 23-year-old Ukrainian winger also failed to shine at Euro 2024, going scoreless in the two games he played for his national team, which was eliminated in the group stage.
In light of this situation, Frank Leboeuf, the former French center-back who played for Chelsea from 1996 to 2001, did not hold back in his criticism of Mudryk, even going so far as to say that he has lost all the value he had about a year and a half ago.
"Mudryk has no value anymore. He is a lost cause, and Chelsea will not make any money with him. He is very mature and has not improved under various coaches. Who would want to buy him? At this moment, I wouldn't buy him for ten million euros. In fact, I wouldn't even buy him for one million euros," he stated in an interview with the betting platform "BoyleSports."
"Why would anyone want to spend money on a player who is not productive at all? He has been here for 18 months, and I know it has been difficult for him, given the circumstances in his home country of Ukraine, but based on what I have seen, I seriously worry that Chelsea has signed a failure in Mudryk. They should replace him. I was bought for two million in 1996, and at the time, I thought that was a lot! He was bought for 70 million euros or something like that, it’s crazy!" he concluded.
The skepticism surrounding Mudryk's performance has been a hot topic among football analysts and fans alike. His high transfer fee has added significant pressure on the young winger to deliver results that justify the investment. However, his lackluster performances have led to increasing frustration within the Chelsea fan base and doubts about his future at the club.
Chelsea's management is reportedly considering their options, as they face the challenge of either helping Mudryk regain his form or seeking a potential replacement. The club's financial outlay on Mudryk has been substantial, and the return on investment so far has been disappointing. This situation puts additional pressure on the player to turn his fortunes around in the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, Frank Leboeuf's harsh comments reflect a broader sentiment of discontent among former players and pundits who have high expectations for big-money signings. His criticism underscores the impatience and high standards at top clubs like Chelsea, where immediate impact and consistent performance are demanded.
Mudryk's journey at Chelsea continues to be closely watched, with many hoping he can overcome the challenges and fulfill the potential that prompted his hefty transfer fee. His ability to adapt, improve, and contribute significantly to the team will be crucial in changing the current narrative surrounding his tenure at the club.
