Transfer market expert Gerard Romero’s Jijantes FC channel has reported that FC Barcelona has secured the signing of a player from Chelsea.
The player in question is Tudor Mendel-Idowu, an 18-year-old talent who has joined Barcelona on a free transfer. According to Albert Roge, a former La Masia expert at SPORT, Mendel-Idowu is set to sign a contract that will keep him at the club until mid-2026.
Barca’s new sporting director, Deco, played a key role in pursuing the young left-footed player. Mendel-Idowu is expected to join the reserve team, known as Barca Atletic, for their preseason preparations. Follow your favourite La Liga team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet.
Barcelona has shown in the past that impressive young talents can have the opportunity to train with the first team. Players like Mika Faye, Marc Casado, Estanis Pedrola, Fermin Lopez, Angel Alarcon, and Unai have been able to join first-team training sessions under the guidance of head coach Xavi Hernandez.
Faye, a defender, has particularly impressed the club staff with his physical strength and aerial ability. He has been training alongside center back Ronald Araujo and is likely to accompany him on Barcelona’s upcoming preseason tour in the United States.
There are indications that Barcelona may have secured the signing of a potentially world-class defender in Mendel-Idowu for a bargain fee of €5 million ($5.6 million) plus add-ons. The club hopes that they have made another astute acquisition with the young talent.
Mendel-Idowu has an impressive academic background, having been regarded as a child prodigy during his school years. He achieved second place in the 2014 edition of Child Genius and earned a scholarship to the prestigious Eton College. Despite his academic success, his footballing abilities led him to be scouted by Chelsea at the age of 8, despite interest from rival clubs Arsenal and Tottenham. He has represented both England, his country of birth, and Nigeria, the country of his ancestors.
Although Mendel-Idowu has previously been capped by England at the U15 and U17 levels, he struggled to break into the Chelsea first team and make a senior appearance. Furthermore, as an attacking midfielder, he faces tough competition to secure a place in Xavi’s plans. Players like Ilkay Gundogan, Pedri, Gavi, and Pablo Torre will provide stiff competition for a spot in the lineup.
Barcelona signed Pablo Torre from Racing Santander last year, but he found it challenging to break into the first XI under Xavi’s management. With a potential departure of Franck Kessie this summer and Pedri’s susceptibility to injuries and Gavi’s occasional suspensions, there could still be an opportunity for Mendel-Idowu to prove himself and earn playing time. Barcelona faces a packed schedule as they aim to compete for trophies domestically and in Europe. Get the latest updates from the La Liga only on Nextbet Sport.
