Chelsea‘s Kendry Páez has an uncertain future ahead of the winter market, after losing his place at the Premier League side.
The Ecuador international was one of the brightest prospects coming out of his country and that convinced the Blues to reach an agreement with Independiente del Valle in 2023, for him to arrive at Stamford Bridge in 2025.
Last summer, Chelsea sent him on loan to Strasbourg, to adapt and adjust to European football. He managed one goal from 718 minutes from 21 matches for the Ligue 1 side.
In January, the Premier League side cut short his stay at Strasbourg and sent him on loan to River Plate. He managed a goal and an assist from 14 matches for the Argentine club.
The loan agreement was until the end of this year. However, his poor form and issues off the pitch convinced River Plate to terminate his loan in August.
Disappointment since returning to Chelsea
The 19-year-old had opportunities to leave the west London club in the summer window. In the end, he stayed and Xabi Alonso didn’t include him in his core plans this season.
Therefore, Kendry Páez has settled for minutes with Chelsea U21s and has an assist from five matches. Last month, his former manager, Jorge Célico, blamed those around him for stagnating his growth and career.
He said: “In my opinion, Kendry isn’t being properly advised. He has the talent; I coached him in the U17s. Technically, he’s very good and has excellent vision. He’s a player who’s going to break out because he has so much talent.”
This season, the Blues only have the domestic competitions to fight for, and Alonso won’t have to deal with fixture congestion. In other words, Páez will find it difficult to make it back to the manager’s plans anytime soon.
Chelsea not ruling out sale
The Stamford Bridge club are also ‘not happy’ with the Ecuadorian and Bolavip covers more about his situation.
Chelsea paid over €20m to sign him and their intention is to recoup their investment if there is a sale. They are keeping the door open to send him back to South America in the next window.
The other option is to send him on loan to the Championship, so that he can adjust to the needs of English football. If Kendry Páez were to shine, this could help him improve his value, which in return can benefit the Blues for next summer.
Páez’s next move will mainly depend on what he does from now until January. After failing to take off his career since arriving in England, he and his camp must carefully evaluate the next club.
What seems certain now is that Chelsea aren’t happy and want to get rid of him. His next club and whether he will join them on loan or a permanent transfer in January needs to be clarified.
