Independiente del Valle youngster Kendry Paez is officially set to join Chelsea this summer after he turns 18.
Chelsea agreed a deal with IDV to sign Paez in 2023, but the attacking midfielder is yet to actually move to England because of his age.
That will change when the next transfer window opens, but it may be a while before Chelsea supporters actually get to see Paez in a blue shirt.
As well as Paez, Estevao Willian is also set to join Chelsea this summer, with the Brazilian about to turn 18, too.
Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images
Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images
Kendry Paez set to join Strasbourg
While Chelsea are about to become owners of Paez, it looks like he will not be playing at Stamford Bridge next season.
According to L’Equipe, both Paez and Mathis Amougou are set to join Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg on loan for the 2025/26 campaign.
The Blues have had success with sending some of their players to the Ligue 1 side, including Andrey Santos.
Santos has been an absolute revelation under Liam Rosenior and has even got to captain the team despite being just 20 years of age.
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The midfielder has made 27 appearances this term and scored 10 goals, and Chelsea will now be hoping that Paez is afforded the same amount of opportunities and develops in the same manner.
Santos recently discussed his long-term future, claiming Chelsea are yet to make a decision on what they are going to do with him.
But considering how he has played in France, it would be a bit of a surprise if they sold him this summer.
Photo by Franklin Jacome/Getty Images
Photo by Franklin Jacome/Getty Images
Loaning out Kendry Paez the right call
Paez is quite a versatile player for his age. Enzo Maresca could use him in many different ways at Chelsea.
That being said, Paez is still a teenager who is yet to play outside of Ecuador. He may not be ready for Premier League football next season or the demands that come with representing Chelsea.
With that in mind, letting the Ecuador international spend a year out on loan makes sense, especially if he is in an environment like Strasbourg following Santos’ success there.