Ronaldo could help Man Utd sign 'next Mudryk' wanted by Arsenal & Liverpool

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 26 Feb 2024 15:15 GMT
• 4 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo may have left Manchester United in unceremonious circumstances in 2022, but the Red Devils legend could play a key role in bringing Georgiy Sudakov to Old Trafford.

Sudakov, 21, currently plays for Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk and he is being chased by the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, while Manchester City are reportedly also interested.

The attacking midfielder recently signed a new deal at Shakhtar, with a €150 million release clause said to have been fitted. Although it’s unlikely that he will cost that much, it’s testament to how highly Shakhtar value their star man.

Unsurprisingly, Sudakov has drawn comparisons to Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk, his international team-mate, who left Shakhtar in January 2023. The Blues star even admitted that he would “love” Sudakov to join him at Stamford Bridge following the U21 European Championship last summer.

The 21-year-old has four goals and one assist in all competitions so far this season, with one of his strikes memorably coming in the Champions League group stage against Barcelona.

His stock is incredibly high and although Man Utd are yet to express an interest in the Ukraine international, they may be the best placed side to purchase him in 2024.

That is because Sudakov’s first ever football shirt was a Man Utd kit with ‘Ronaldo 7’ on the back, as per BBC Sport.

What has Georgiy Sudakov said about his future?

During an interview with the BBC, Sudakov admitted: “There were offers from Juventus and Napoli. Other clubs also showed interest, but only these two teams made specific proposals.”

The Ukraine star then revealed that he’s reached out for advice from Mudryk, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ruslan Malinovskyi and Anatoliy Trubin as he plans for the next step in his career.

"They all say that the level of football in their leagues is completely different,” he said.

“Speed, pace, quality of play and level of thinking are all superior. It is impossible to compare the Ukrainian championship with their leagues.

“If you want to progress as a footballer, then you need to move to one of the top five leagues. At the same time, Shakhtar are forming a very strong team striving not only to play in European competitions but also to achieve positive results.

“I feel comfortable with the ball and prefer to play attacking football," Sudakov continued.

“I don't really like playing with a lot of challenges and without the ball, but I understand that this is an integral part of football and I'm ready to develop those aspects of my game at the right time.”

Georgiy Sudakov to replace Bruno Fernandes?

Although Bruno Fernandes remains Man Utd captain and one of their most important players, the Portugal international has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in recent months and he could become the latest European star to jump ship.

The 29-year-old may still be at the top of his game, but Man Utd would be wise to sign another option in that position amid Mason Mount’s continuous injury problems.

Sudakov could be that man and considering his love for the Red Devils and Ronaldo, a deal could happen this year.