Chelsea will be hoping that Kendry Paez can take giant strides forward in his game this season during his loan spell at Strasbourg.
The Blues have loaned out three young talents to sister club Strasbourg in the French top division this year. Along with Mike Penders and Mamadou Sarr, Kendry Paez also joined Strasbourg on a season-long loan for the 2025/26 campaign.
Last season, Liam Rosenior led Strasbourg to a seventh-placed finish in Ligue 1. Andrey Santos, who’s now part of Enzo Maresca’s squad, was a key figure in midfield for the French outfit and massively improved as a player. Incidentally, Chelsea youngster Genesis Antwi could join Strasbourg permanently before the summer window closes.
On Sunday, Strasbourg made it two wins from two in Ligue 1 this season with a 1-0 victory at home to Nantes.
Strasbourg forward Emanuel Emegha, who’s linked with joining Chelsea, scored the winning goal in the 81st-minute.
Liam Rosenior embraces Kendry Paez after Strasbourg beat Nantes in Ligue 1.
Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images
How Kendry Paez performed on first start for Strasbourg
Paez, 18, was handed his first-ever start for Strasbourg in the Nantes victory after two substitute appearances to start the season.
The Chelsea loanee lasted just over an hour in Sunday’s Ligue 1 fixture.
Minutes played Total shots Shots on target Accurate passes Touches Chances created Successful dribbles Accurate crosses Match rating
64 3 0 16/19 (84%) 43 0 1/4 (25%) 0/7 (0%) 6.0
Kendry Paez statistics during Strasbourg vs Nantes via FOTMOB
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As you can see above, Paez’s individual statistics against Nantes weren’t anything to shout about. It doesn’t quite tell the full story, though.
The Ecuador international, who’s got 18 senior caps for his country, did look particularly lively against Nantes before he started to tire and fade.
Even though his end product was lacking in the weekend’s league fixture, the teenager was brave enough to get on the ball regularly and try to express himself. In particular, he produced some great individual pieces of skill that highlighted why he’s so highly thought of.
Paez wanted to stay at Chelsea and compete for a first-team spot this season, but we’re confident that a year playing regularly at Strasbourg was the best move for his career and development.
Kendry Paez dribbling for Strasbourg against Brondby in a Conference Europa League qualifying tie.
Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Chelsea can add Kendry Paez and Geovany Quenda to their squad next season
It’s exciting to think that Chelsea already have a production line of more talent that they can introduce further down the line.
If Paez can shine in Strasbourg colours, he could be a genuine option for Maresca next season. The versatile playmaker, who usually stars as a winger or attacking midfielder, should only get better with the experience in France.
In addition, the Blues previously confirmed that Geovany Quenda, 18, will be officially joining them in the 2026 summer window. He’s got two assists in his opening four appearances for Sporting across all competitions this season and has incredible potential.