Chelsea ramp up interest in Shakhtar’s Georgiy Sudakov

Chelsea are preparing a summer swoop for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Georgiy Sudakov, according to the Daily Mail.

The Blues have reignited their pursuit of Ukrainian talent after signing Mykhailo Mudryk last year. 

The 21-year-old playmaker has been firing on all cylinders this season, notching five goals and two assists in 22 appearances in the Ukrainian Premier League.

Sudakov has attracted the attention of several Premier League giants, including Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool. 

Italian clubs are also circling, but Chelsea appear to be taking the most concrete steps. They’ve reportedly held discussions with Sudakov’s representatives to gauge potential transfer fees (the club values him at £65 million). 

🔥 ГЕОРГІЙ СУДАКОВ ЗАБИВАЄ КРАСИВО ⚽️

💪 Сильно та ефектно півзахисник відкриває рахунок у матчі «Шахтар» 🆚 «Чорноморець» 🧡#Shakhtar #ШахтарЧорноморець pic.twitter.com/95vdknyBVf

— ⚒FC SHAKHTAR DONETSK (@FCShakhtar) May 5, 2024

Interestingly, Shakhtar CEO Sergei Palkin was a guest at Stamford Bridge. He watched Chelsea’s dominant 6-0 victory over Everton.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Palkin hinted at a busy summer for Sudakov: “This window, he has a high chance of joining a big club. We’ve had contacts, some direct, some gauging the market.” 

Sudakov’s close friendship with Mudryk could play a role. Mudryk joined Chelsea last year for £62 million and has reportedly been struggling to settle in London and frequently advises Sudakov to join him in England.

Sudakov recently signed a contract extension until 2028 with a hefty £125 million release clause, but Shakhtar are open to “sensible offers” for the promising talent. 

Chelsea see Sudakov as a first-team option, considering his experience in the Champions League and Europa League.

Competition for Sudakov’s signature is inevitable, but Chelsea seem well-positioned to bring him to Stamford Bridge. 

They boast a positive relationship with Shakhtar, built during the Mudryk transfer, and have already opened talks with Sudakov’s representatives. 

Our Verdict

Sudakov is a promising young talent, but Chelsea should prioritise signing experienced players to get back to competing for the Premier League and Champions League. 

Bringing in another young player, especially after the struggles of Mudryk, is not the best course of action. 

The club should focus on proven quality that can deliver immediate results. 

The Ukrainian league, while producing talents, may not be the best hunting ground for players who can make an instant impact on the Premier League. Chelsea need established stars, not just another buddy for Mudryk.