Chelsea have officially announced the completion of a deal to acquire 16-year-old midfielder Kendry Paez from Independiente del Valle.
In an exciting development for Chelsea Football Club, the Premier League giants have confirmed the signing of Kendry Paez, a 16-year-old midfield prodigy hailing from Independiente del Valle. The agreement between the clubs will see Paez officially donning the Chelsea jersey in the summer of 2025, following his 18th birthday.
Regarded as one of the most promising young talents in South American football, Paez has consistently turned heads with his performances, most notably during the Under-20 World Cup. The Ecuadorian starlet left an indelible mark on the tournament, contributing a goal and three assists in his country’s four matches.
Paez’s immense potential attracted significant attention, and it comes as no surprise that Chelsea moved swiftly to secure his signature. Sources suggest that the transfer could potentially reach an astonishing €20 million when factoring in performance-related bonuses, an unprecedented amount for a player of his age. The official confirmation from the Blues solidifies the club’s ambition to nurture and develop exceptional young talent.
In an official statement, Chelsea FC announced, “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Kendry Paez from Independiente del Valle. Already establishing himself as one of the most creative and promising young talents in South America, Paez’s exceptional dribbling skills, vision, and technical prowess make him a formidable force in midfield.”
Paez’s early breakthrough in professional football cannot be overlooked, as he made history by scoring on his senior debut for Independiente del Valle, thereby becoming the youngest debutant and scorer in Ecuador’s top flight. Additionally, he boasts an impressive record of six senior appearances this season, including a memorable continental debut in May, where he played a key role in a 2-1 victory over Corinthians in the Copa Libertadores.