Chelsea FC’s latest action might possibly be a clear indicator that Mykhailo Mudryk’s time at the club might be over.
Chelsea FC has officially handed the iconic number 10 jersey to Cole Palmer ahead of the new season, a move that solidifies his status as a key figure in the club’s attacking future and potentially signals a shift in Mudryk’s standing at Stamford Bridge.
The number 10 shirt, once worn by club legends like Eden Hazard and Joe Cole, carries a legacy of creativity, flair, and leadership. After a standout debut season, where Palmer emerged as Chelsea’s most consistent attacking threat, the decision to assign him this number reflects both trust and long-term planning from the club’s hierarchy.
Palmer’s performances have earned widespread praise, and his elevation to the number 10 role suggests he will be central to Chelsea’s rebuild and tactical identity moving forward.
However, the decision also casts doubt over Mudryk’s future at the club. The Ukrainian winger, who previously wore the number 10 after his high-profile move from Shakhtar Donetsk, was once seen as a cornerstone of Chelsea’s long-term rebuild.
His performances have yet to meet expectations, with inconsistent form and limited impact leading to growing uncertainty around his role as well as the current doping scandal.
While this doesn’t definitively close the door on Mudryk’s Chelsea career, it strongly hints that he may no longer be central to their immediate plans and could face a pivotal summer ahead.
