Tottenham's chances of signing Mykhailo Mudryk permanently revealed
Roberto De Zerbi will have the final say on whether Tottenham spend £75million on signing Mykhailo Mudryk permanently, sources have told Football Insider.
The Italian boss pushed for Mudryk to arrive on loan from Chelsea earlier this week as he looked to add more depth to his forward line.
They worked together closely at Shakhtar Donetsk in the 2021-22 campaign before the winger joined Chelsea for an initial £62m.
Mudryk has admitted that he is excited to work under his former boss, whom he sees as his "footballing father."
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, De Zerbi is being trusted to get the best out of Mudryk before Spurs possibly trigger his £75m option to buy clause.
He is reportedly ready to play in his first competitive game in 21 months after serving a long-term doping ban.
Roberto De Zerbi and Mykhailo Mudryk relationship key to success at Spurs
Sources revealed to Football Insider last week that Leeds were keen on signing Mudryk, but Spurs beat them to his signature late on in the window.
The 25-year-old registered 10 goals and eight assists in 73 appearances for Chelsea prior to his ban, then featured again for the club in their recent pre-season tour of Asia after the suspension was lifted.
Mudryk could end his long wait to play competitively this weekend as Tottenham face Nottingham Forest, with De Zerbi tasked with making it work for him this season.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I think it's a case of seeing what happens. The option is there, and if Mykhailo Mudryk comes in and hits the ground running for Tottenham and really impresses, then there is a possibility that they could take up that option to sign the Ukrainian for £75million, which is a huge fee.
"Obviously, he's linking up with his old Shakhtar Donetsk boss Roberto De Zerbi, who will be confident that he can get the best out of Mudryk."
Some fans have questioned Mudryk's arrival, due to his lack of recent game time, but he could well be thrown straight into their squad this weekend based on De Zerbi's comments.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, he said: "He needs time to be able to start. I think he's ready right now to play 20, 15, 30 minutes. We spent a very particular season together in Shakhtar. Until now, he has had many problems.
“But in the end, the potential is clear, and now his challenge is to respect all his qualities. Because he's a great player. He has to feel this season, to live this season in the right way. Not too much pressure, but it's the right moment for him to show all people things."