Chelsea could be closing in on a major decision on Kendry Páez, with the highly-rated Ecuadorian poised to leave Stamford Bridge when the January transfer window opens.
Paez arrived in England with a great reputation after agreeing to a transfer from Independiente del Valle to Chelsea when he was just 16 years old.
However, his development has not gone to plan and after a difficult loan move from London, the attacking midfielder now primarily plays for Chelsea’s under-21 side.
Nicolò Schira reports that Paez is ready to leave Chelsea
According to transfer journalist Nicolò Schira, Paez is ready to leave Chelsea in the winter window.
FootballTransfers reports that the Ecuador international is not currently part of Xabi Alonso’s big plans, with the Chelsea manager confirming Paez is out of the first team in September.
Paez spent part of last season on loan at Strasbourg.
He then joined River Plate, but that move was also cut short in August, with Chelsea looking for the best way to restart his development.
However, there is no doubt that the talent that attracts Chelsea is still there.
Moisés Caicedo previously offered a glowing assessment of his international teammate in a statement to The Standard: “Kendrey is a star. It’s a pleasure to watch her play.”
Caicedo added that Paez has the talent to “go far” if he stays on track.
A January exit could be just what Paez needs
At just 19 years old, it would be too early to dismiss Paez.
His problem is not a lack of technical ability. He was already playing senior international football for Ecuador as a teenager and showed exceptional creativity and confidence at Independiente del Valle.
Instead, his career lacked stability. Successive moves between Ecuador, France, Argentina and England gave him little opportunity to settle into an environment and build momentum.
That’s why Chelsea should be wary of selling him permanently at the lowest point. A well-chosen loan to a club designed to run it regularly might make more sense.
Páez needs minutes, responsibility and patience more than any other prestigious place.
Arsenal are competing with Chelsea and Barcelona for the €60m midfield target