Fabrizio Romano: Leeds Push to Sign £97k-a-week Chelsea Forward as Premier League Preference Revealed

Leeds United are still working on a possible move for Mykhailo Mudryk as Daniel Farke looks to add more pace and attacking quality to his squad.

The Ukrainian winger remains a Chelsea player, but his future at Stamford Bridge is becoming increasingly uncertain. After spending a long period away from competitive football, Mudryk has now returned to training, yet he is not believed to be part of Xabi Alonso’s plans.

That could give Leeds an opportunity.

The Whites have already tested Chelsea’s position with a loan proposal, but their first offer was rejected because it did not match Chelsea’s expectations. Leeds, however, have not walked away from the deal.

Instead, the latest developments could give Farke’s side another reason to keep pushing.

Chelsea had been considering a move that would take Mudryk to Strasbourg, but that option has run into difficulties. More importantly for Leeds, Mudryk himself reportedly wants to remain in the Premier League.

That preference could become a major factor in the negotiations.

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Leeds United still want Mudryk despite Chelsea rejection

Leeds are looking for another attacking player who can give Farke something different in the final third. Mudryk certainly has the profile.

The 25-year-old is known for his speed and direct running, and a move to Elland Road could allow him to restart his career after a difficult spell in London.

His Chelsea career has not developed as much as expected when he joined the club, while his lengthy absence has made his situation even more complicated.

However, Leeds could offer something Chelsea cannot currently guarantee: regular football. Mudryk is understood to be keen on playing in the Premier League rather than moving to France with Strasbourg.

That is important because Chelsea had been looking at Strasbourg as a possible destination for the winger. The two clubs share ownership, which made the move a logical option from Chelsea’s perspective.

But the player reportedly prefers another route. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Leeds are continuing to push for the winger, meaning there is still plenty of work to be done before an agreement can be reached.

The first loan proposal did not satisfy Chelsea, so Leeds will need to find a structure that works for the Blues.

Mudryk’s reported £97,000-a-week salary could also be another part of the discussions, particularly if the transfer is structured as a loan.

For Leeds, though, the potential reward is obvious. If Farke can get the winger fit and confident again, he could provide a level of pace that would make the Whites’ attack much more dangerous.

What could Mudryk bring to Leeds?

There is no point pretending Mudryk’s Chelsea spell has been a complete success. He has struggled to produce consistent end product, and his long absence means there are still questions over how quickly he can return to his best level.

But the underlying numbers from his last full period of action offer some encouragement.

During the 2024/25 campaign, Mudryk averaged 0.62 shots per 90 minutes and created 1.24 chances per 90, according to FotMob data.

He also recorded 4.97 touches inside the opposition box, showing that he was regularly getting into dangerous attacking positions. That is the kind of movement Leeds could benefit from.

Farke already has players capable of holding the ball and linking play, but adding someone who is willing to attack space at speed could change the way Leeds approach certain matches.

Mudryk could also provide an option against teams that defend deep. Instead of constantly trying to play through a crowded midfield, Leeds could look for Mudryk to run behind the defensive line and stretch the opposition.

There is also more to his game than attacking statistics. His defensive numbers suggest that he is willing to contribute when his team does not have possession.

Mudryk averaged 2.48 defensive contributions per game, including 1.24 tackles, 5.59 recoveries and 0.62 blocked shots.

Those numbers should interest Farke because the Leeds manager will demand work from his forwards without the ball.

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Mykhailo Mudryk transfer details

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Mudryk could be a calculated gamble for Leeds

Leeds should not see Mudryk as a guaranteed solution. There are too many unanswered questions for that.

He has been away from competitive football for a long period, his Chelsea career has been inconsistent and there is no guarantee that he will immediately rediscover his confidence.

But that is also why a loan move could make sense.

Leeds would get the chance to assess the player without committing to a huge permanent transfer immediately, while Mudryk would get an opportunity to rebuild his fitness and reputation in a familiar league.

It could be beneficial for both sides. The biggest issue is Chelsea’s demands. Leeds have already made an offer and been told it is not enough, so the club will need to improve the proposal or find a different structure.

The situation could change quickly, particularly with Chelsea’s Strasbourg plan now facing an obstacle.

For Leeds fans, the encouraging part is that Mudryk reportedly wants Premier League football, while Leeds remain determined to find a way to make the move happen.

If Farke can get the best out of him, the winger could add something Leeds currently lack: genuine pace and unpredictability in the final third.

It would be a gamble, but one that could have a significant upside.

Leeds have not given up on Mudryk, and with Chelsea’s alternative plan facing problems, the door to Elland Road may still be open.

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