Roberto De Zerbi's remarkable comments about Mykhailo Mudryk from 2022 have resurfaced as deal close

Roberto De Zerbi previously claimed that a "very sensitive" Mykhailo Mudryk can win the Ballon d'Or, a comment that has resurfaced as Tottenham look set to sign the winger on a season-long loan.

Mudryk, who worked under De Zerbi during his time at Ukrainian Premier League side Shakhtar Donetsk, has agreed personal terms with the North London club ahead of a deadline day move.

The transfer will include an option to make his move permanent at the end of the season for £75 million, according to widespread reports, three years after he joined Chelsea in a deal worth £88.5 million.

It has been a difficult period for the 25-year-old, who has not featured in a competitive game for the Blues since their Europa Conference League clash against Heidenheim in November 2024.

But after resolving his doping case with the FA last month, Mudryk will try to reignite his career under De Zerbi, a manager who once claimed that the winger can win football's biggest individual prize.

Speaking in 2022 after Brighton were linked with a move for the then-Shakhtar player, De Zerbi said: "Mudryk is a fantastic player but Brighton can't buy hi. I like him, just like all my ex-players I like, but Brighton can't buy Mudryk."

He added: "I think Mudryk can win the Ballon d'Or in the future. I know the value of Mudryk, he has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or."

A month later, De Zerbi once again insisted that Mudryk can win a Ballon d'Or but described the player as someone who is "very sensitive" and "needs affection".

Speaking to La Repubblica, he said: “Mykhailo has the potential for a top career. In my opinion, he can also win the Ballon d’Or. He is a player of the highest level but he is also very sensitive."

The Italian added: "He needs affection. We will see if he matches his potential.”

Mykhailo Mudryk's statement after being cleared to return to play

Mudryk was given a four-year ban by the FA in June 2025, but after appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, his suspension was ended early.

Back in November 2024, he tested positive for meldonium following international duty with Ukraine.

De Zerbi is a huge fan of Mudryk. Image credit: Getty

The winger posted a statement in July after he was cleared to play. "After a long battle, the four-year ban that was imposed on me has been rescinded and I am free to resume my career with immediate effect," he wrote.

"I am grateful that this process has reached a conclusion, that I have been cleared to return to football and that I can now look ahead to my future.

"This has been the most difficult period of my career.

"As I have always maintained from the outset of this case, I have never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance. My commitment to competing fairly and representing my club and country with professionalism and integrity has always been important to me.

"I would like to thank my family and friends for their support and belief throughout this period. I also want to express my deep gratitude to everyone at Chelsea FC, my teammates and the Chelsea supporters who have been with me throughout.

"I would also like to thank my legal team and others who assisted for their tireless work on my case. My focus now is on returning to football, working hard every day, and making a positive contribution on the pitch."

He added: "Thank you to everyone who continued to believe in me. I look forward to the next chapter of my career."