Mykhailo Mudryk has finally arrived in the Premier League after being linked with a move to Newcastle United.
But it is Chelsea who have completed a deal for the Ukrainian winger. They confirmed his arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk on Sunday, with Mudryk presented to supporters before the Blues’ 1-0 win against Crystal Palace.
Mudryk has been destined for a move to the Premier League this month, but his destination has been unclear.
For a long time, Arsenal looked like the favourites to sign the 22-year-old. It was even reported late last week that the Gunners were close to agreeing a price with Shakhtar.
But then Chelsea hijacked the move, and Mudryk is now part of Graham Potter’s squad. They gazumped Arsenal, agreeing a deal worth £88.5million for one of European football’s rising stars.
Mikel Arteta’s side have missed out massively, and it is also a slight blow for Newcastle. The Magpies had been linked with Mudryk heading into the January window.
i News reported last year that Dan Ashworth could make a £50million move for the winger – before his price tag sky rocketed.
Newcastle continued to be linked with Mudryk heading into 2023, but comments from Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin suggest that the Magpies got nowhere near a deal.
Only two clubs were close to signing Mykhailo Mudryk as Newcastle miss out
Palkin has been speaking to the Athletic following Mudryk’s transfer to Chelsea. He was asked if any other clubs came close to signing him.
“There were some contacts but not serious,” he said.
“So it was just two clubs.”
The two clubs in question are obviously Chelsea, who eventually signed Mudryk, and Arsenal, who Palkin admits he held talks with.
But while Newcastle were linked, they seemingly never reached the level of negotiations that Chelsea and Arsenal did.
Mudryk too expensive for Magpies
That is probably largely down to the price. Chelsea have agreed a package worth £88.5million in total, which is more than Newcastle have ever spent on a player.
The Magpies’ current transfer record is £63million, which was spent on Alexander Isak back in August.
With Newcastle looking to be careful regarding financial fair play, there was simply no chance that Toon officials would commit that much money to bring Mudryk to St James’ Park.
It’s a shame, as he is a sensational player, and it is exciting to see how he gets on at Chelsea. Newcastle won’t face him until the final day of the season, when Howe’s side travel to Stamford Bridge.