GdS: Milan scouted teenage duo in Segunda Division game – the details
AC Milan have sent their scouts to watch more than one Granada star in action recently, according to a report.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that on September 12th – when Milan were coming from two goals down at the Olimpico against Lazio – a Rossoneri scout flew to southern Spain to check out Dylan Rodriguez, a 19-year-old Granada midfielder.
That day, Granada were playing Albacete in the Segunda Division, and the match ended 1-1. Rodriguez remained on the bench for 90 minutes, and the surprise was a 17-year-old boy with the name of a former Ballon d’Or player: Owen Emeka.
Milan are very interested in him, as are Real Madrid. Currently, no negotiations are ongoing, but what helps is that the teenager has a release clause of €15m.
Two talents on the radar
Emeka is a 17-year-old right winger, a Spaniard of Nigerian descent. His skills primarily include speed and dribbling. He came through the Granada youth ranks and last season, with the U19s, reached the semi-finals of the Spanish championship, losing to Real Madrid in extra time.
Owen was one of the best players in that match. This year, he was included in the first-team squad, which plays in the Spanish second division. He’s already made six appearances, three as a starter, and, most importantly, he’s already scored his first goal.
It came against Albacete, and he did practically everything himself: stopping the ball, shielding it with his body, beating two opponents, and firing a shot to the near post. It was a goal that earned him the title of the second-youngest goalscorer in Granada’s history, at 17 years, 4 months, and 23 days.
In April, Granada gave him a contract extension until 2031, and some around there compare him to Jude Bellingham in terms of his physique and height. During this international break, he also received a call-up from Spain’s U18 team, which is preparing for the World Cup in Qatar.
Rodriguez is a 19-year-old left-footed central midfielder. He’s played 24 minutes so far for Granada, all against Eibar, as a substitute. In midfield, he can play various roles: mezzala, attacking midfielder, or if necessary even out on the left.
He arrived at Granada a year ago and recently renewed his contract until 2028. His inspiration is Pedri, even though the two, in terms of characteristics, aren’t exactly twins. Compared to Emeka, he’s had much less time at the senior level, but there’s already the feeling he has a high ceiling.
Emeka surprised the Rossoneri scout who initially arrived in Granada to watch Dylan Rodriguez, who nevertheless remains on the list of candidates. If he were to arrive, he would be included in the Milan Futuro squad at first, but with the potential for the big jump soon.
