Romano: Mudryk set to leave Chelsea as Leeds chase loan
Fabrizio Romano says Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is set to leave on loan before the September 1 transfer deadline, with Leeds United insisting after days of talks. The transfer insider warned there could be surprises based on opportunities, while Mudryk wants to remain in the Premier League — a stance that clashes with Chelsea's reported preference for a Strasbourg move.
For followers tracking leeds united news on deadline eve, the Mudryk saga has become the story that could define Daniel Farke's window. Leeds drew 1-1 with Brentford on Sunday and Farke sounded cautiously optimistic about a strong finish, but with the 11pm cut-off on Tuesday, Elland Road chiefs are up against the clock.
Key Takeaways
- Fabrizio Romano reports Mudryk will leave Chelsea on loan before the deadline, with Leeds still pushing.
- Mudryk prefers staying in the Premier League and Elland Road over Strasbourg and Coventry.
- Leeds have had loan approaches rejected but are ready to resume talks for a third attempt.
- Signing Mudryk could allow Willy Gnonto to join Fiorentina, though Leeds want a replacement first.
- Leeds still need attacking depth and may also pursue defensive cover after Joe Rodon's hamstring injury.
What Did Fabrizio Romano Say About Mykhailo Mudryk?
Posting on X, Fabrizio Romano claimed Mudryk is set to seal a move away from Stamford Bridge before the window shuts. He wrote: "Mykhailo Mudryk set to leave Chelsea before the deadline, loan deal being discussed. Leeds United insisting for days but there could be surprises based on opportunities. Mudryk wants to stay in Premier League."
The Yorkshire Post reports Leeds will hope Chelsea's resolve can be weakened, but cannot afford a fruitless pursuit with so little time left. The Whites will be keen to avoid transfer disappointment for a second consecutive summer after missing out on Harry Wilson on last year's deadline day.
Why Is Leeds United Still Chasing Mykhailo Mudryk?
Leeds made an initial move to take Mudryk on loan last week. Chelsea rejected that offer, yet a deal remains possible and could go right to the wire. According to Leeds Live, citing The Athletic, the Whites remain hopeful they can talk Chelsea into an agreement and are ready to resume talks, believing a third attempt might succeed.
The Ukraine international is eager to restart his career after alleged doping offences dating to December 2024 were dropped. Chelsea want him out on loan for guaranteed minutes, but Leeds cannot promise regular game time — a sticking point that has blocked previous approaches. Mudryk has reportedly made Elland Road his clear preference ahead of Coventry City and Strasbourg.
How Would a Mudryk Arrival Affect Willy Gnonto?
Leeds Live reports that landing Mudryk could end Wilfried Gnonto's four-year spell at Elland Road. Fiorentina are keen on the Italian winger, who was an unused substitute against Brentford following a hamstring injury. The Yorkshire Evening Post notes it is difficult to see Leeds sanctioning his exit without a replacement in place.
Farke's side started Sunday's draw without a recognised left-sided winger, using Noah Okafor as an inside No.10 and James Justin as a wing-back. Mudryk would add another attacking option, though he would compete with summer signing Harry Wilson for a place in the XI.
Are Leeds Running Out of Time Before the Deadline?
Leeds have signed James Trafford, Michael Zetterer, Tarik Muharemovic, Nico Elvedi and Harry Wilson this summer, but still want at least one more attacker. Joel Piroe's season-long loan to West Ham has left them light at striker, and Joe Rodon's hamstring scare on Sunday may force late defensive reinforcements.
Mudryk, signed by Chelsea for £62million plus add-ons in January 2023, has scored 10 goals in 73 appearances and was left out of the Blues' opening three competitive matches this season. With hours remaining, Leeds' pursuit of the winger remains alive — even after reports that Stamford Bridge chiefs no longer viewed it as viable. As Romano hinted, surprises may still be coming.