Chelsea ace looks unrecognizable after following radical Mohamed Salah move

Chelsea's Mykhaylo Mudryk has undergone a radical transformation as he bids to kickstart his career at Stamford Bridge. Since his high-profile $114m (£88m/€105m) switch from Shakhtar Donetsk, the Ukrainian forward hasn't quite lived up to expectations, netting a mere seven times in 58 outings for the Blues.

Keen to make an impression on new gaffer Enzo Maresca, Mudryk cut short his post-Euro 2024 break and has now debuted a bold new image as he looks to cement his place during Chelsea's pre-season trip stateside. Taking to Instagram, Mudryk showcased his freshly buzzed scalp a stark contrast to the golden mane he used to tie back on matchdays.

Chelsea's social media team didn't miss the chance to flaunt their player's striking makeover either. This drastic change follows a pointed piece of advice from Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel who told him to ditch the distractions.

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"Mudryk, he needs to get his head right, he needs to I was going to swear he needs to f***ing get his head right because he's such a good player, pace, power, quick and good on the ball," he says. "But he needs to get his act right, he needs to forget about the whole hair, whatever, the tattoos no! Play f***ing football and win games."

With his new streamlined look, Mudryk is surely aiming for a change in fortunes. Former top-flight defender Gael Clichy is among those who've tipped the winger for a storming comeback next term. He remarked: "I wouldn't be surprised if Mudryk comes out next season and becomes the best winger in the Premier League , because he's absolutely got all of the attributes which you want in a winger."

It's not just Mudryk who's switched up his look for the new season; Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has also ditched his trademark curls, having had a trim back in May. Salah's still rocking the fresh cut as he jets off with the lads to the States for Liverpool's pre-season tour .

Arne Slot's team is set to face Real Betis this Saturday before a showdown with Premier League foes Arsenal the following week. After that, it's Manchester United and Sevilla on the cards before they kick off their campaign against Ipswich. Meanwhile, Chelsea have a packed schedule of friendlies to get through before they open their Premier League account at home against Manchester City.

Liverpool.com says: Mudryk might just be the worst-value signing that Chelsea has made under Todd Boehly and there is plenty of competition. As Salah himself knows, that doesn't mean the end of a player's career, though. Mudryk has talent but it is hardly the best environment to show that.