Chelsea turn down Leeds' opening loan bid for Mykhailo Mudryk

Chelsea have rejected an initial season-long loan offer from Leeds United for winger Mykhailo Mudryk, the report published on 21 August 2026 says. The opening proposal did not meet Chelsea's valuation and the two clubs remain in discussions over a possible move.

Mudryk, 25, returned to action in Chelsea's pre-season friendly against Juventus in Hong Kong after a 20-month absence following a positive test for the banned substance meldonium; his ban ended in July. The forward has made several substitute appearances on Chelsea's pre-season tour under new manager Xabi Alonso and has agreed to spend the season away from Stamford Bridge to rebuild match fitness. Despite interest from Strasbourg and clubs in Italy, Mudryk has told people close to him he prefers to stay in the Premier League.

Chelsea found Leeds' initial offer to be well short of expectations, and Mudryk is believed to be keen on a switch to Elland Road. The player’s preference and Leeds’ proposal have kept the transfer discussions active between the clubs.

Leeds emerged as frontrunners because they are prepared to take Mudryk on loan without a purchase option, a structure that would allow Chelsea to retain control of his future while Leeds cover his salary. The Whites have reinforced their squad this summer by signing attacker Harry Wilson from Fulham, centre-back Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo, goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City and defender Nico Elvedi from Borussia Monchengladbach. Interest in Chelsea striker Liam Delap from Leeds has cooled in recent weeks.

Brentford were also considered a potential destination but had sought an option to make any move permanent, which Chelsea rejected; Brentford had attempted to sign Mudryk several months before Chelsea acquired him from Shakhtar Donetsk for an initial £61m in 2023 and remain interested. Coventry City have expressed interest in the winger, a move to Strasbourg — Chelsea’s sister club under the BlueCo ownership group — is still under consideration, and Chelsea are exploring the possibility of sending other players, including midfielder Dario Essugo, to the French club.

Negotiations between Chelsea and potential suitors are continuing, and the prospect of Mudryk remaining at Stamford Bridge is considered unlikely, although it has not been completely ruled out.