The young player's struggling loan spell might end. Could a move to England reignite his career? Examining potential new clubs for the young talent.
Back in the summer transfer window, sister club Strasbourg announced the loan signing of highly rated Chelsea youngster Kendry Paez, after he joined the club 18 months from the agreement with Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle, the same club that Moises Caidedo started off at.
Despite his young age, Paez already has a fair bit of experience. Before the transfer, he had already played 64 games at club level and already had 18 caps for the Ecuador national team, including four appearances at the 2024 Copa America.
So, a loan to fellow BlueCo club Strasbourg, managed at the time by now Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior, seemed a good place for him to develop. However, things have not gone as planned.
Indeed not, as Paez has only racked up 729 minutes - the equivalent of just over eight full games. It is clear that this loan move has not worked out. Which is fine, these things happen, but something clearly has to change.
The Athletic has reported that the teenager could be recalled, with a view to opening up an extra international loan spot. As a result, Paez could be loaned out to another club in England.
Where Could Paez Be a Good Fit?
Let's take a look at some potential productive loan spells for the youngster.
The first option that could be beneficial is AFC Bournemouth. The South Coast side plays exciting, intense, front-foot ball under manager Andoni Iraola. Despite not having the most exciting names on paper, Iraola has managed to get good productivity out of nearly all of his forwards.
We have seen Antoine Semenyo go from a Championship incoming to signing for Manchester City. Justin Kluivert received his first Netherlands cap in more than six years after working under the Basque manager. Having a fellow Spanish speaker as a manager would help him settle in more easily, too.
Number two is a club you will be tired of hearing about as a Chelsea fan, but ultimately an exciting move. Indeed, Brighton and Hove Albion could be a productive destination for Paez. Like Bournemouth, they play exciting, attacking football.
Many Brighton games see the team create several chances but fail to find the back of the net as often as they could. With the chances their wingers get, Paez would have the opportunity to score plenty of goals.
With striker Danny Welbeck, the 18-year-old would have a good focal point to play off of. He would be able to link up with fellow South American and Spanish speaker Diego Gomez as well. It could be the play.
Finally, for the sake of his career, could we maybe see Paez drop into the Championship? To begin with, a move to play under Chelsea legend Frank Lampard - known for developing young players - at Coventry City felt like a good idea, but the Sky Blues have already signed two wingers in this window, and game time is paramount, particularly if he is dropping down a level.
Therefore, a good fit feels like Ipswich Town. The Tractor Boys previously signed winger Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea under manager Kieran McKenna, who later left to become Nottingham Forest's record signing.
Ipswich creates a lot of chances - their 65 big chances in 25 Championship games are the third-best record in the league, despite having played one game fewer than the majority of the teams in the league.
Likewise, the aforementioned teams' style of play is very attractive and beneficial to pretty much any attacking player. Sure, it is a second-tier side - but playing every week, winning most weeks, and generally being productive would be much better than sitting on first-tier Strasbourg's bench most of the time.
Paez's next step is crucial—finding a club where he can play regularly and develop effectively will be key.