Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has promoted academy defender Landon Emenalo to first-team training as preparations continue for the 2026/27 season.
According to the Evening Standard, the 18-year-old joined the senior squad earlier this week as Alonso assesses players during pre-season. Landon is the son of former Super Eagles defender Michael Emenalo, who represented Nigeria at the 1994 FIFA World Cup after replacing the injured Benedict Iroha and featured against Argentina, Greece and Italy, including setting up Daniel Amokachi’s goal in Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Greece.
Born in Arizona, United States, Landon is eligible to represent the United States, England or Nigeria at international level.
The young defender was seen training at Chelsea’s Cobham base alongside senior players, including Tosin Adarabioyo, who is also eligible to play for Nigeria. His promotion comes with several first-team players still unavailable following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, prompting Alonso to turn to the club’s academy.
Although Landon has previously been included in three senior matchday squads, he is yet to make his competitive debut for Chelsea. Pre-season offers him another opportunity to impress and stake a claim for a first-team place.
