De Zerbi Backs Mykhailo Mudryk Ballon d'Or Potential After £75m Spurs Loan

Roberto De Zerbi reaffirmed his belief that Mykhailo Mudryk can win the Ballon d'Or as the winger prepares for a potential 15-to-30-minute cameo against Nottingham Forest.

Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi confirmed on Friday, September 4, 2026, that Mykhailo Mudryk could feature for "20, 15, 30 minutes" against Nottingham Forest this Saturday. The 25-year-old Ukrainian winger joined Spurs on a deadline-day season-long loan, a deal that includes a £75 million ($101m) permanent option. This move reunites the attacker with De Zerbi, who previously managed him at Shakhtar Donetsk during the season the war in Ukraine began. The Italian tactician stood by his historical assessment that the player possesses the talent to win the Ballon d'Or if he realizes his full potential.

Chelsea originally signed Mudryk in January 2023 for a fee that could reach €100m including add-ons. Despite the player struggling to justify that price tag over the last four years in England, De Zerbi argued that the London rivals would not have spent such a sum without identifying elite qualities. The Spurs manager noted that while his English might be limited, his previous prediction was strictly a reflection of the player's ceiling. Mudryk is one of 10 new signings arriving at the north London club during the 2026 summer transfer window.

Richarlison Omitted from Premier League Squad

While Mudryk arrives, 29-year-old striker Richarlison has been excluded from Tottenham’s Premier League squad for the first half of the 2026-27 season. De Zerbi stated the decision followed a conversation at the start of preseason where the Brazilian expressed his desire to leave the club. Although a move to Everton failed to materialize before the deadline, the forward remains outside the first-team plans. The head coach clarified that he only wishes to work with players who possess the right passion to stay at the club.

Richarlison voiced his frustration on Instagram, stating "never again will anyone decide my future for me" and demanding "respect" regarding his transfer wishes. Sources indicated to ESPN that the club informed the striker he was not part of the tactical plans before the window closed to facilitate a move. De Zerbi deferred questions regarding the financial implications or the specific squad list registration to CEO Vinai Venkatesham and the sporting director, noting his role is strictly limited to coaching those who are happy to be at the club.

Potential Transfer to Türkiye and Roster Changes

Trabzonspor has emerged as a potential destination for Richarlison, as the Turkish transfer window remains open until midnight local time (10 p.m. BST/5 p.m. ET). De Zerbi acknowledged awareness of an offer that existed before the primary deadline which the player rejected, though he could not confirm if a fresh bid from Türkiye is currently under consideration. The manager emphasized that if a player does not want to stay, there is no reason to occupy a spot on the competitive squad list.

Mudryk’s Path to the Starting XI

Regarding Mudryk’s fitness, De Zerbi admitted uncertainty about when the winger will be ready to start a match following a lengthy absence from elite football. The player has faced various issues recently, including a suspension, which have hindered his consistency. The current challenge for the Ukrainian is to navigate the season without excessive pressure while demonstrating the abilities that prompted a €100m valuation four years ago. De Zerbi remains focused on helping the player respect his own qualities during this loan spell.