Chelsea are eager to bring Ecuadorian prodigy Kendry Paez to Stamford Bridge immediately, despite the 17-year-old being set to officially join the club this summer.

Chelsea are reportedly keen on bringing Ecuadorian starlet Kendry Páez to Stamford Bridge as early as next week. The club aims to help the young midfielder acclimate to life in Europe and settle into his new surroundings.

 

Initially, Páez was set to join Chelsea in the summer of 2025, following his 18th birthday in May, as part of a £17.2 million agreement with Independiente del Valle. However, according to reports from FutbolEcuador, Chelsea have recently expressed their desire to facilitate his early arrival in the coming weeks.

 

The teenager was originally expected to remain with his current club until the next Ecuadorian Serie A season kicks off in March 2025. However, Independiente del Valle’s sporting manager, Luis Fernando Saritama, revealed that discussions have taken place regarding the possibility of Páez heading to Europe sooner than planned.

 

“Last week, we spoke with Kendry Páez, and there are two options on the table,” Saritama stated. “Chelsea has requested an early adaptation period for him in Europe, and we are currently evaluating this alongside his representatives and the club that holds his rights.”

 

Páez made his senior debut for Ecuador in September 2023 and has since earned 17 caps. His first goal in a World Cup qualifier made him the youngest-ever South American to score in the competition. Notably, he was assisted by Moisés Caicedo, a fellow Ecuadorian who will be his teammate at Chelsea. The duo also played together during the Copa América 2024.

 

Saritama further acknowledged that the possibility of Páez staying with Independiente del Valle in the coming months remains uncertain. “We are assessing the situation, but he has expressed his desire to begin adapting to Europe, and we understand his perspective,” he added.

 

When asked whether Páez would link up with Chelsea’s squad in February, his current club confirmed: “He will travel to Europe on either the 17th or 20th of this month. The final decision lies with the club and the player, and both parties agree that an adaptation period before he turns 18 is beneficial.”

 

Back in December 2023, Páez attended Chelsea’s Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Newcastle. Prior to signing with the London club, he had attracted interest from major European teams, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, and Manchester City.

 

It was also reported that Páez was eager to learn English in preparation for his move. However, concerns about his off-field behavior emerged last year when he was warned by Ecuador’s national team coach for being involved in a partying scandal. Video footage surfaced showing him at a nightclub with teammates Robert Arboleda and Gonzalo Plata, despite local laws prohibiting individuals under 21 from entering such establishments.

 

Head coach Sebastián Beccacece commented on the situation, saying, “I have experience with him, and I rely on that, but I’m also aware of what is shared on social media and what happens at his club. He is incredibly talented, and he understands the importance of handling these situations better, especially now that he has secured a move to a major club and represents his country.”