Chelsea's Newest Wonder Kid Páez to Be Loaned Out Straight After Arrival

March 30, 2025

WHAT'S NEXT FOR KENDRY PAEZ? INCOMING CHELSEA WONDERKID SET FOR IMMEDIATE LOAN MOVE AWAY FROM STAMFORD BRIDGE

Chelsea’s incoming teenage sensation Kendry Páez is already being lined up for a season-long loan when he finally joins the club in summer 2025, with the Blues keen to ensure the 17-year-old gets regular first-team football before integrating him into their squad.

Why Chelsea Want to Loan Páez Immediately

Work Permit & Adaptation: Despite his €20m transfer from Independiente del Valle (agreed in 2023), Páez won’t qualify for a UK work permit automatically. A loan to a European sister club (Strasbourg?) or South American side could help him gain eligibility.

Physical Readiness: At just 5’7”, Chelsea want him to bulk up before Premier League exposure.

Playing Time Guarantee: With Chelsea’s stacked attack (Palmer, Nkunku, Mudryk), a loan ensures he plays 30+ games rather than U21 football.

Potential Loan Destinations

🔵 RC Strasbourg (France) – Chelsea’s sister club offers top-tier experience.

🟡 Palmeiras (Brazil) – High-level South American competition.

🔴 Vitesse (Netherlands) – Chelsea’s former loan hub, though relations have cooled.

Páez’s Current Rise

The Ecuadorian prodigy, who turns 18 in May 2025, is already a full international and broke Lionel Messi’s record as the youngest-ever Copa Libertadores scorer (15y 8m). This season, he has:

✅ 6 goals & 4 assists in Ecuador’s top flight

✅ Dazzled at U17 World Cup (3 goals)

✅ Drawn comparisons to Philippe Coutinho for his dribbling & playmaking