When Chelsea bought Kendry Paez, the hype was enormous. One of the most exciting talents in South American football and Chelsea had just wrapped up a deal in quick fashion.
It is three years since Chelsea wrapped up a deal for Paez, splashing £17m on an unknown 16-year-old. Of course, that garnered excitement around the Ecuadorian, who will be at this summer’s 2026 World Cup.
Chelsea have got it ALL WRONG with Kendry Paez 👇
Before Marcelo Gallardo was sacked…
He remained at boyhood club Independiente Del Valle until the summer of 2025, before joining Ligue 1 side Strasbourg on loan at the start of the season. Then, in January, he moved to River Plate on loan.
Currently, Paez is scheduled to remain on loan at River Plate next summer. But reports have already said that his loan could be cancelled early having managed just 13 appearances for the Argentine giants.
Damning reports emerge surrounding Kendry Paez’s attitude
Paez has endured a dismal season. A fringe player at Strasbourg under Liam Rosenior in France, his move to Argentina was supposed to give the playmaker the platform to shine in more familiar surroundings.
River Plate v Carabobo - Copa CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2026
Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images
Little injuries and knocks have prevented Paez from garnering any rhythm. But new reports now suggest that perhaps, Paez is also to blame. River Plate manager Eduardo Coudet is starting to become frustrated.
When Coudet replaced Marcelo Gallardo early on during Paez’s loan, there was genuine hope that Paez might get the necessary game time to shine. But Argentine reporter Renzo Pantich now has an update.
Speaking to Argentine outlet Azzez Stream, Pantich said: “River could interrupt the loan of Kendry Páez because he did not meet expectations. Coudet didn’t like his on-field and off-field behavior.”
Chelsea’s £17m gamble is now looking like a waste
There is no doubting that Paez has immense potential. A player that can play in numerous roles in the final third, one that can take set-pieces, and one that already has the experience of playing for his nation.
DISCUSS: Jarrod Bowen is a better signing than Rafael Leao…
Chelsea have been linked with both this summer.
But Paez’s attitude is not going to get him anywhere. The 2025-26 season should have shown him that unless he bucks up his ideas and knuckles down, then he will only go backwards in his development.
A £17m fee is not exactly a small amount of cash; it is an expensive risk that is now proving to be a complete waste of money unless Paez starts to realise that his career is stalling and he is to blame.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox