Milan’s recruitment work in southern Spain produced an unexpected turn on 12 September. While the Rossoneri were recovering a two-goal deficit against Lazio at the Olimpico, a club scout was in Granada to watch Dylan Rodriguez. Instead, Granada’s 1-1 Segunda División draw with Albacete became Owen Emeka’s introduction to the observer.
The coach and the club
Rodriguez, a 19-year-old left-footed central midfielder born in 2007, had been the original reason for the visit. He did not leave the bench, however, and has so far played only 24 first-team minutes this season, all of them after coming on against Eibar.
Emeka took the opportunity. The 17-year-old right winger scored against Albacete after controlling the ball, using his body to protect it, beating two opponents and finishing at the near post. The goal made him Granada’s second-youngest scorer, aged 17 years, four months and 23 days.
Milan have registered a strong interest in Emeka, although there is no advanced negotiation at this stage. Real Madrid are also aware of the player. His release clause stands at €15 million, though a departure for a lower figure is considered possible.
If Milan were to bring him to Italy, the plan would be to place him initially with the club’s second team, allowing him time to develop before any eventual first-team role. The focus is on a long-term pathway rather than an immediate senior signing.
Emeka’s rapid rise at Granada
Spanish-born and of Nigerian heritage, Emeka came through Granada’s academy. Last season he reached the national Under-19 championship semi-final with the club, where Granada lost to Real Madrid after extra time. He was among Granada’s strongest performers in that match, a display that helped convince the club he could step into the senior group.
He has since made six appearances in Spain’s second tier, including three starts, and already has his first senior goal. Against Leganés, he nearly added another but saw his effort strike the crossbar.
Granada renewed his contract in April, tying him down until 2031. Within the club, comparisons have been made with Jude Bellingham because of Emeka’s physique and height, while his own game is built principally on pace and dribbling.
During the international break, Emeka received a Spain Under-18 call-up as the side prepares for the age-group World Cup in Qatar, which begins on 19 November. He celebrates goals with a military-style salute associated with Franck Kessié, and he is represented by a female agent.
Rodriguez remains under consideration
Emeka may have altered the emphasis of the scouting trip, but Rodriguez remains on Milan’s list. He joined Granada a year ago and has recently extended his deal until 2028.
He is not a conventional Spanish midfield organiser. Rodriguez is viewed more as a mobile, box-to-box player, capable of operating as an advanced midfielder, a number 10 or, when required, from the left wing. Pedri is his reference point, though their profiles are markedly different.
His academy campaign last season also included the same Under-19 semi-final against Real Madrid. Rodriguez was sent off for protesting after a penalty was awarded to Madrid. He has received far less senior exposure than Emeka, but Granada believe his room for growth remains considerable.
For Milan, the trip underlined two separate possibilities. Rodriguez is still a midfielder to monitor, while Emeka emerged as the more immediate prospect: an underage winger already affecting senior matches, with Granada’s €15 million clause setting the formal starting point for any future move.
