While Chelsea were able to trigger an immediate return for Mamadou Sarr this month, a 50% appearance hurdle in Kendry Paez’s new River Plate contract confirms that the Blues are no longer willing to leave their most expensive teenage investment to chance.
Kendry Paez was causing as much hype as Estevao Willian when he made the move to Chelsea, but things just haven’t gone to plan for him so far.
He went on loan to Strasbourg during the first half of the season, getting off to a positive start that saw Paez scoop up a nomination for Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year.
However, as a teenager, he struggled to stay away from the nightlife, which often caused issues for him over in France at the training ground.
His move to River Plate has started well, with Paez looking promising in his debut last week, but he didn’t feature in the cup for the Argentinian side.
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Chelsea cannot recall Kendry Paez unless he plays less than 50%
According to El Intransignente, River and Chelsea have closed a historic agreement.
Renzo Pantich has said that Chelsea does not have free rein to take Kendry Paez whenever they want.
The journalist explained it with a phrase that made noise: “Kendry Paez’s playoff option is only activated if he does not play 50% of the games with the River shirt.”
In other words: if Kendry reaches that level of participation, River ensures his continuity until December, something key to think about the second half of the year and the objectives of the year.
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Very different to the handling of Mamadou Sarr
The contrast between Mamadou Sarr’s return and Kendry Paez’s current situation highlights a change in strategy when it comes to loans.
While Sarr was sent to Strasbourg on a traditional developmental loan that included a standard, unconditional recall option, it seems as if Chelsea have no immediate plans at all for Paez.
Chelsea have prioritised guaranteed minutes. The 50% appearance clause effectively hands the power to the Argentine club; as long as they start the Ecuadorian in half of their competitive fixtures, Chelsea are legally blocked from recalling him.
It can be seen as a positive. Chelsea have enough wingers to not have to worry about wanting him back.
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