As per latest reports, River Plate has signed Kendry Paez on loan from Chelsea. This move is easing pressure on the teenage star.
Why Chelsea Approved Kendry Paez Loan Move?
**Chelsea**’s decision to move Kendry Paez again says more about timing than talent. The Premier League club always knew his first European steps would be important. This comes especially after him arriving so young with huge expectations. Strasbourg gave him exposure, but not continuity. He go limited starts, different coaches, and reduced minutes. Due to that, it slowed down his rhythm.
For an 18 year old still shaping his game, that kind of stop-start season can affect his confidence. The Blues made a call before the problem grew. Given that, Chelsea have sent him on loan to River Plate. Sending Paez back to South America lowers the noise around him. In addition, it places him in a league where technical quality and freedom suits his style.
Meanwhile, River Plate offers pressure but it is familiar pressure. That kind of expectations sharpens young attackers instead of freezing them. The loan also clears space in the West London club’s bigger loan plan as well. This allows the club the flexibility while keeping Paez active ahead of a big year.
🚨💣 EXCLUSIVE: River Plate agree deal to sign Kendry Páez on loan from Chelsea, here we go! 🔴⚪️#CFC recall Kendry from Strasbourg loan with new talents coming, Páez travels to Buenos Aires for medical tests as ideal solution for his development.
Season long loan agreed ✈️ pic.twitter.com/F7PuOz3Qzr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 28, 2026
Gallardo’s Influence and River Plate’s Big Bet
River Plate’s manager Marcelo Gallardo’s role in this deal was very important. He has tracked Paez closely and pushed for the move during the mid year window. The Argentinian club are not just offering minutes, they are offering responsibility. Gallardo values intelligent midfielders who read space quickly, and Paez fits that mold.
After medical checks in Buenos Aires, the plan is quick integration into the squad. This comes as the club wants his squad involvement against the clash with Tigre. River see him as more than a short term loan. They see a chance to revive a talent many clubs still fear. The Argentine league demands courage on the ball and sharp decision making. That said, these are the traits Paez has showed early in Ecuador.
River believe regular starts and trust from the bench can bring out his best. For the club, this is also a statement. Bringing in a Chelsea owned talent with World Cup status raises profile and ambition. It hints that River still compete for top young players, even in a tight market.
World Cup Stakes Could Shape the Season Ahead
For the youngster, enough game time matters now more than ever. Paez has barely played this year, and that has got both, Chelsea and Ecuador worried. This comes despite his record as the youngest scorer in South American qualifying. So, just his reputation alone will not secure his World Cup place. He needs to have match sharpness as well.
Meanwhile, River Plate offers a clear path to game time in high pressure fixtures. This is something Strasbourg could not guarantee under their new setup. His numbers show promise rather than dominance, but his back story explains that. Since debuting, he has delivered goals, assists, and moments that hint at a special talent.
Now, what he needs is regular playing time and not reinvention of his potential. This loan move is about rhythm, fitness, and belief for the youngster. If he thrives, Chelsea will likely benefit. If he struggles, the answers arrive early. For Paez, the job is to simply play, influence, and remind everyone why he was signed at sixteen. That said, the next twelve months could define his career arc for sure. This move feels risky but could turn out to be smart. River Plate might be the place where Paez finally takes his football to the next level.
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