Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Independiente del Valle teenager Kendry Paez, confirms Fabrizio Romano. The Blues are working to complete the deal for the midfielder as part of their ambitions on building a strong core of players for their future.
Chelsea Set to Get Premier League Approval for Kendry Paez Transfer
Understand FA and Premier League are set to approve the transfer of talented 2007-born midfielder Kendry Paéz to Chelsea — to be signed soon. 🚨🔵🇪🇨 #CFC
€20m package — main part depending add-ons.
Full agreement since March — Kendry will join in 2025 when he’ll turn 18. pic.twitter.com/1joNVU2ZLs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 17, 2023
Chelsea to Play Lucrative Fee for Paez
After signing Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos in the January transfer window before quickly loaning him out, Chelsea are now ready to sign another promising young South American talent to bolster their prospects for the future.
Read More: Chelsea Aiming Move for 16-Year-Old Middlesborough Prospect
Romano adds that the Football Association (FA) and Premier League will soon approve the signing of the midfielder for the London giants and the deal will be sealed soon after that is done. However, Paez can only join Chelsea in 2025 – when he’ll be of the age of 18 because of certain European football transfer rules.
It’s also confirmed that the transfer fee package for Paez’s signing will be around £17.6 million – which includes add-ons. Irrespective of that, this is a pretty huge fee for a teenage South American talent who is yet to be really tested anywhere outside Ecuador – at least at the club level – which means Chelsea are really banking on the word of their scouts on this one.
What Are Chelsea Getting in Paez?
The 15-year-old midfielder has attracted a lot of spotlight on himself since being linked to a move to Stamford Bridge, but there is not a lot of information on him. He normally plays as a centre-midfielder, but can also slot into a right-wing role if required.
Read More: Chelsea Start Contacts With Andre Onana & 2 More Goalkeepers Over Possible Summer Move
Paez has performed quite well for Ecuador’s U17 side, shining in the U17 South American Championship that took place earlier this year. He provided six assists in as many games for his national team in that competition, with his overall contribution being nine (one goal, eight assists) in nine competitive appearances for Ecuador U17. At the age of 15, the midfielder known for his ‘special skills’ has made three appearances for Independiente del Valle this season – scoring one goal.
