Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has named Landon Emenalo, the 17-year-old son of the club`s former director, in their Conference League squad for the upcoming game against Legia Warsaw.
Landon Emenalo, son of Michael Emenalo, might make his debut for Chelsea in the second leg of the Conference League quarter-final at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea displayed dominance in the first leg held in Poland, with 19-year-old Tyrique George scoring his first senior goal and Noni Madueke securing two goals, establishing a 3-0 advantage.
The Conference League has become a platform for several young Chelsea players to debut in the senior team.
Besides George, Shumaira Mheuka, 17, and Samuel Rak-Sakyi, 20, have primarily gained playing time in this competition.
Emenalo becomes the latest addition to this list, marking his first inclusion in Chelsea`s first team squad.
This week, the teenage midfielder was invited to train with the first team for the first time and was officially registered with UEFA.
Emenalo is the son of Michael Emenalo, a former technical director and Nigerian international player.
Landon has shown promise in the U18s this season, scoring once in 12 appearances.
He initially joined Chelsea`s development program at the Under-8 level.
After turning 17 in January, Emenalo signed his first professional contract with Chelsea.
Born in Arizona, he is eligible to represent either the United States or England due to his US-born mother.
Reportedly a lifelong Chelsea supporter, Landon is highly regarded within the Cobham training grounds.
His father, Michael, played for clubs like Notts County and San Jose Clash before transitioning into coaching and executive roles in football.
Michael Emenalo served as a scout and assistant manager for Chelsea from 2007 to 2011, and then as technical director for six years.
During his tenure, he collaborated with managers such as Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti and was instrumental in bringing in key players like Kevin De Bruyne, N`Golo Kante, and Eden Hazard.
Since leaving Chelsea, he has held the technical director position at AS Monaco and currently serves as president of the league association for the Saudi Pro League.
