FORMER Chelsea youngster Tudor Mendel-Idowu who is best-known for being one of the smartest people in England is set for a return to the Premier League.
The midfielder, 19, has an incredibly impressive pedigree in academia having been made a King’s Scholar at Eton College at the age of 13 after attending the prestigious boarding school Ludgrove School.
King’s Scholars are, as Mendel-Idowu explained, “the top fourteen brightest students in the UK, if not the world, admitted once per year at the age of 13”.
His admission came after he finished second in the 2014 edition of the Channel 4 show “Child Genius”.
Meanwhile on the pitch, in 2022 he was blossoming in Chelsea’s U18s side, regularly contributing goals and assists.
But last year he left for Belgian side Anderlecht after rejecting a new deal from the Blues.
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Now, though, he is poised to return to England – who he has represented at U15 and U17 level.
According to Fabrizio Romano, a deal has been agreed for him to join Ipswich.
He had already undergone a medical with the newly-promoted Premier League club before the transfer window closed on Friday.
In 2022, Mendel-Idowu was asked where he saw his career in five years.
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Tudor Mendel-Idowu’s background
As early as aged eight, Mendel-Idowu was juggling academia with playing football.
He took part in the Child Genius of the Year in 2014, alongside his 11-year-old sister Hazelle, that featured on Channel 4.
While his sister was eliminated in the second round, brainy Tudor finished second overall.
Astonishingly, Tudor is a King’s Scholar at Eton.
As of 2022 he was studying Latin, Greek and Modern History for his A-levels.
But he is keen to continue thriving in academia and football.
He said: “I want to be competing at the highest level. I have the same expectations for myself in football as I have as an academic.
“I want to be at the top. Playing in, and winning Champions Leagues. Playing at a World Cup. Maybe even a World Player of the Year Award – we’ll see!”
Speaking to Fifa, he said: “It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where I will be.
“In terms of football, in five years, I’ll be 22. I want to be competing at the highest level. I have the same expectations for myself in football as I have as an academic.
“I want to be at the top. Playing in, and winning Champions Leagues.
“Playing at a World Cup. Maybe even a World Player of the Year Award – we’ll see.”
Ipswich picked up their first point since returning to the Premier League on Saturday as they drew 1-1 at home to Fulham.
Kieran McKenna’s side had begun their campaign with defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
