Tottenham’s decision on whether to sign Mykhailo Mudryk permanently is expected to rest heavily on Roberto De Zerbi, with the Spurs manager set to play a central role in any move to activate the winger’s reported £75 million purchase option next summer.
Mudryk joined Tottenham from Chelsea on a season-long loan on transfer deadline day, giving the 25-year-old an opportunity to revive his career after a prolonged absence from competitive football.
The agreement is understood to include an option rather than an obligation to buy, meaning Tottenham can assess the Ukraine international’s performances before committing to a substantial fee.
Roberto De Zerbi holds key to Mudryk’s Tottenham future
De Zerbi’s judgement will carry particular weight because he has already worked with Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk. The Italian oversaw the winger’s breakthrough in Ukraine and helped him emerge as one of the club’s most highly rated young attackers.
Mudryk has spoken warmly about their relationship, describing De Zerbi as his “football father” and crediting him with bringing out the best in his game. That existing trust was a major factor in the player’s decision to move to north London.
Tottenham confirmed the loan deal on 1 September, with Mudryk saying he was excited to be reunited with De Zerbi. The club’s sporting director Johan Lange said the winger had the attributes to make a contribution and praised his desire to improve.
De Zerbi had indicated before the trip to Nottingham Forest that Mudryk was ready to feature from the bench after training with his new team-mates during the week.
He was introduced in the 74th minute of Saturday’s goalless draw at the City Ground, replacing Mathys Tel, to make his first competitive appearance for Tottenham. The substitute was unable to make a decisive impact as Spurs endured another frustrating afternoon in attack.
Tottenham failed to register a shot on target against Forest and remain without a Premier League goal this season. The result did at least provide De Zerbi’s side with their first point of the campaign.
Mudryk faces a major test at Tottenham
The loan represents a relatively cautious opportunity for Spurs, but the reported £75 million option would require a far more significant decision.
Mudryk’s pace, direct running and ability to attack space remain valuable qualities, particularly in a side looking for greater threat in the final third. However, he will need to show more than occasional flashes of promise if Tottenham are to consider making the transfer permanent.
Consistency, end product and fitness are likely to determine the outcome. Regular goals and assists, rather than simply the ability to unsettle defenders, would be needed to justify a fee of that magnitude.
De Zerbi is well placed to decide whether Mudryk can rediscover the form he showed at Shakhtar. If the winger responds to his manager’s methods and becomes a reliable match-winner, Tottenham could yet view the option as worthwhile. Otherwise, he is likely to return to Chelsea at the end of the season.
