Mykhailo Mudryk to explore career change amid Chelsea ban update
Chelsea flop Mykhailo Mudryk has been touted for a potential career change in a recent update.
Mudryk was suspended by the FA in December after failing a drug test, following an “adverse finding” in a urine sample.
He has not featured for Chelsea since the developments, as Mudryk was charged by the FA in June and could face a ban of up to four years.
A recent update reported Mudryk’s ban could be less than four years, as the winger received a stem cell injection, which may have been connected to the findings in his test.
However, it has now been reported that the Ukraine international could now be considering a drastic change in his career, as he awaits the outcome of his case.
Mykhailo Mudryk targets 2028 Olympics with Ukraine
According to Spanish outlet Marca, Mudryk has a “goal” to compete in the 2028 Olympics for Ukraine.
The report also added that Mudryk has already previously trained with Olympic athletes, and he now wants to compete professionally for his national team.
The Chelsea winger has already shown remarkable speed on the pitch, as he broke a speed record on his league debut, clocking a top speed of 36.67 km/h.
To earn a place in the side, he must hit World Athletics’ qualifying standards and then go through Ukraine’s trials in 2027 before being considered.
Chelsea signed Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023, with the deal worth an initial £62million and potentially rising to £89million in add-ons. But their plan remains unclear, as news on a potential ban is not yet confirmed, even if it appears the 24-year-old may be taking steps to make a change in his career.
He featured for the Blues 73 times but struggled to make a lasting impact, as he managed just 10 goals in that period.
Raheem Sterling could also face Chelsea exit
While Mudryk is looking beyond his career at Chelsea, another player who could join him through the exit door is Raheem Sterling.
Sterling has been linked with a move to Celtic for the January window, where he would reunite with former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 16 September that Sterling will remain at Chelsea until January as he plots to force a move away after being banished from first-team facilities at the club.
But time will tell if the Scottish club enter the race as West Ham and Fulham have also been linked with interest.