Chelsea are reportedly interested in bringing Kendry Paez to Stamford Bridge next week as the Blues want to help the Ecuadorian wonderkid settle in the club and Europe.
Initially, it was understood that Paez would join the Premier League side in a £17.2million deal in the summer of 2025, following his 18th birthday in May.
However, according to reports from FutbolEcuador, Chelsea have recently spoken out about their desire to move the 17-year-old talent from his current team Independente del Valle in the upcoming weeks.
Paez was not meant to play for his boyhood club until the next Ecuadorian Serie A season starts in March 2025.
Independente del Valle sporting manager, Luis Fernando Saritama, said: ‘Last week we spoke with Kendry Paez, there are two possibilities. Chelsea has requested that the player have a period of adaptation in Europe from now on.
‘We are analysing it with his representation agency and the club that owns his rights.
Chelsea are reporterdly interested in bringing Ecuadorian wonderkid Kendry Paez to the Stamford Bridge next week
It is understood that the 17-year-old – who was previously spotted in the stands at a Chelsea game – will not be able to play until next season
The Blues want to help the youngster settle in the club and Europe, according to reports
Despite his young age, Paez has already made 70 appearances for his boyhood club, managing to score 16 goals and deliver six assists.
He made his debut for Ecuador’s senior squad in September 2023, and has played 17 matches since.
The first of his two goals in the national team made him the youngest-ever South American to score in the World Cup qualification phase.
He was assisted by his future team-mate at Stamford Bridge, Moises Caicedo, with whom he also shared the pitch in the Copa America 2024.
‘I would not rule out the possibility that Kendry will not play with us these months, however, the issue of the adaptation period is being evaluated,’ added Saritama.
‘He has told us of his intention to have an adaptation period in Europe and we understand that.’
Furthermore, when the Ecuadorian outlet quizzed his boyhood club about whether the player would join the Chelsea squad in February, they said: ‘On the 17th or 20th of this month, Kendry Paez will make his first trip to Europe.
‘What prevails here is the decision of the club and the player, and the intention of both is to have a period of adaptation in Europe before he turns 18.’
This move would add another youngster to Chelsea, who had a calm winter transfer window
In October, he became the youngest-ever South American to score in a World Cup qualifier with a goal assisted by his future club team-mate Moises Caicedo
Previously, Paez, then 16-years-old, was reportedly taken to a New York strip club by Ecuador team-mates despite being underage
In December 2023, the teenager watched Chelsea’s Carabao cup quarter-final victory over Newcastle.
Upon his agreement with the Blues, he was extensively scouted by European giants such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Manchester City.
It was understood that the player was eager to learn English ahead of his arrival.
However, news emerged last year that the wonderkid had been warned about his conduct off the field by his national team coach after he was involved in another partying scandal.
Several videos showed Paez attending a nightclub with team-mates Robert Arboleda and Gonzalo Plata, although the law prohibits anyone under 21 from being present in such premises.
Head coach Sebastian Beccacece said: ‘I have experience with him. I rely on that, but I don’t ignore what happens on social networks or at his club. It’s my responsibility to be aware.
‘But my experience with him has made me empathetic. He is very talented, and he knows he must learn to handle this, especially now that he is sold to a club and is part of the national team.
