Chelsea reinstates Mikhail Mudryk as Barcelona blocks Julian Alvarez transfer

Chelsea manager Pochettino welcomed the return of 25‑year‑old Ukrainian winger Mikhail Mudryk to the first‑team squad after the English FA closed his doping investigation. Mudryk, who had been banned since November 2023 for using a prohibited melatonin substance, was cleared and allowed to join Chelsea’s Asian pre‑season tour, a move the coach described as unexpected but positive.

At the same time, Atletico Madrid’s Argentine striker Julian Alvarez will not move to Barcelona as the Catalan club cannot meet the €500 million release clause stipulated in his contract. Financial constraints have forced Barcelona to abandon the deal, leaving Alvarez with limited options such as staying for another season or seeking a move to another top European club.