What about Mkhailo Mudryk? Chelsea confirm Cole Palmer shirt number change as England star takes 10 from Ukrainian winger serving doping ban

Chelsea have confirmed Cole Palmer is taking their No.10 shirt, but there is no word on what that means for banned winger Mykhailo Mudryk.

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• Playmaker has been wearing No.20
• New shirt to be donned at Club World Cup
• Club colleague suspended indefinitely

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  England star Palmer has worn the No.20 jersey since completing a transfer to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City in the summer of 2023. He has become a talismanic presence in west London, claiming PFA Young Player of the Year honours in his debut campaign.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Palmer is the key creative cog in Chelsea’s attacking machine, registering 37 goals and 22 assists across the last two seasons. It makes sense that he would fill the fabled No.10 spot in the Blues’ ranks.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  He will be doing just that in 2025-26, with his number change being announced ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. Palmer is following in the footsteps of Joe Cole, Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and USMNT star Christian Pulisic.

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  It is, however, Ukrainian forward Mudryk – who joined Chelsea for £89 million ($121m) in January 2023 – that he has inherited No.10 from. The 24-year-old winger is currently serving a suspension after testing positive for the banned substance Meldonium and has not made a competitive appearance since November 2024.