He joined the youth academy of Chelsea at under-8 level, following interest from numerous other clubs including Arsenal and Tottenham.[5][4] In July 2021, he signed a new contract with the Blues.[6]
Following the conclusion of the 2022–23 season, with his contract set to expire, Mendel-Idowu was offered a new deal by Chelsea.[7] However, on 18 July 2023, it was reported by Spanish journalist Albert Rogé that Mendel-Idowu had rejected this offer, and was close to joining Spanish side Barcelona.[8]
Anderlecht
Despite these links, on 27 July 2023, he officially signed for Belgian side Anderlecht.[9] Initially assigned to the club's reserve team, RSCA Futures, Mendel-Idowu scored on his debut in the Challenger Pro League in a 3–2 win against Dender.[10]
On 3 September 2024, Anderlecht confirmed that Mendal-Idowu had left the club to join Premier League side Ipswich Town on a permanent deal.[11]
International career
Eligible to represent both England and Nigeria at international level, Mendel-Idowu was first called up to the England national under-15 football team in 2019.[12]
Tudor scored his first England U17 goal against Scotland on 8 February in a 3–0 win and followed that up with a further 2 goals in England U17's next game playing as a right winger. He later made substitute appearances against France and Luxembourg in the England U17 qualification games.
Personal life
Mendel-Idowu's maternal grandfather is John Adeleye-Abai, who played for the Nigeria national football team as a winger.[4]
His paternal grandfather, Dr Fola Kayode Mendel-Idowu, was a gifted academic, who specialised in bio-aeronautics and was Africa's first 'flying doctor'.[4]
