Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has handed promising defender Landon Emenalo an opportunity to train with the club’s first team as preparations continue for the 2026-27 season.
The highly-rated academy defender joined Chelsea’s senior squad earlier this week, where he trained alongside several first-team players as he looks to impress the new manager during pre-season.
Born in Arizona, United States, the 18-year-old is eligible to represent the United States, England and Nigeria at international level. He is also the son of former Super Eagles defender Michael Emenalo, who represented Nigeria at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Michael Emenalo featured in three matches during the tournament after replacing the injured Benedict Iroha. He also provided the assist for Daniel Amokachi’s famous goal in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Greece as the Super Eagles reached the knockout stage in their World Cup debut.
Landon was among the young players involved in Wednesday’s training session at Cobham, where he worked alongside senior stars, including fellow Nigerian-eligible defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
With several Chelsea players still unavailable following their participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the academy prospect is believed to have been included in first-team training to bolster the squad during the early stages of pre-season.
Although he has already received three first-team call-ups, Landon Emenalo is yet to make his senior competitive debut for the Blues.
