Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk, 25, has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after being handed a four-year ban by the FA for an anti-doping violation. As the club navigates the fallout of Mudryk’s suspension, left-back Marc Cucurella, 27, is reportedly pushing for a return to Spain, with Chelsea valuing the defender at €50 million (£42.8 million) amid interest from Barcelona.
Mudryk suspension triggers financial risk for Chelsea and Shakhtar
The FA issued the four-year ban following a positive test for meldonium, a substance Mudryk reportedly provided in an 'A' sample while on international duty in October 2024. According to a CAS official statement, the appeal was filed on 25 February 2026, and a hearing date is yet to be set. Mudryk maintains his innocence, stating he has "never knowingly used any banned substances." The suspension carries significant financial implications beyond Stamford Bridge; Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin confirmed the Ukrainian club stands to lose €30 million (£26 million) in performance-related bonuses if Mudryk is unable to play. Chelsea, who signed the winger in a deal worth up to €100 million, could potentially explore contract termination for 'cause' if the ban is upheld, mirroring Juventus' approach during Paul Pogba’s recent doping suspension.
Cucurella targets Barcelona return amid squad frustration
While the Mudryk case proceeds through the courts, Marc Cucurella is understood to be disillusioned with the current project at Chelsea and is prioritising a move to Barcelona. The defender is under contract until June 2028, but Chelsea are reportedly open to a sale if their €50 million valuation is met. According to reports in Spain, however, Barcelona's primary defensive targets remain Alejandro Balde and securing a permanent deal for Joao Cancelo, which may complicate the La Masia graduate's path back to the Nou Camp. Cucurella has remained a regular fixture in the Chelsea squad, but the club’s need to manage Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) after several windows of heavy spending makes the recouping of a high fee for the 27-year-old an attractive proposition this summer.
The CAS ruling on Mudryk is expected to be delivered before the start of the 2026/27 domestic season.