Kendry Paez's Stalled Chelsea Career Raises Questions About Development
Once hailed as a prodigious talent, the Ecuadorian midfielder's progression has faltered, leading to a spell with the Under-21s.
Attacking midfielder Kendry Paez has made his first appearance in a Chelsea shirt, three years after agreeing to join the club. The 19-year-old featured for Chelsea's Under-21 side, Cobham Next Gen, appearing as a substitute in a recent match against Arsenal.
Chelsea agreed a £17.27 million deal to sign Paez from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle in 2023 when he was 16. However, his development has not progressed as rapidly as anticipated. New manager Xabi Alonso has indicated the midfielder is not part of his immediate plans, and the club lists him as an academy player. Attempts to secure a loan move within English football were stymied by FIFA regulations, which prevented Chelsea from sending him overseas due to the club having already used its six allotted international loan slots.
Paez, who has 27 caps for Ecuador and was part of their World Cup squad, was once regarded as one of South America's most promising young talents. He set records in his native Ecuador, becoming the youngest debutant and goalscorer in the country's top-flight history at the age of 15. Later that season, he debuted in the Copa Libertadores, South America's premier club competition.
At 16 years and 131 days old, Paez became the second-youngest South American international to play in World Cup qualifying, a feat only surpassed by Diego Maradona. He further cemented his reputation by becoming the youngest South American to score in a World Cup qualifier a month later. Chelsea, believing the attacker was destined for significant success, allowed him to train with the first team before his official eligibility after turning 18. The club also provided security for Paez and his family, along with that of international teammate Moises Caicedo, following unrest in Ecuador.
Concerns about Paez's trajectory emerged after he was filmed in a New York strip club while on international duty. He initially impressed on loan at Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg, earning Young Player of the Month award in the French top flight. However, his spell was cut short after one goal in 21 appearances. He was subsequently loaned to Argentine club River Plate for a two-year period. Sources in Argentina reportedly raised similar concerns about his attitude. He was named by club president Stefano Di Carlo as one of 15 players training away from the first team. His loan at River Plate ended by mutual consent after scoring one goal in 14 appearances.
In Ecuador, there have been expressions of concern over Paez's career path. Michel Deller, owner of Independiente, stated that Paez is a good kid who has faced difficulties and made decisions that have complicated his life, expressing hope that he will rediscover his talent but emphasizing it is now up to him. While Chelsea and those close to Paez acknowledge these concerns, there is also a belief that they are overstated and that he requires time to mature as both a player and an individual.
Recently, Paez demonstrated flashes of his quality in an EFL Trophy match for Chelsea's Under-21s, providing a late assist. Despite the team's loss, his late involvement offered a glimpse of his potential. Paez has accumulated over 100 senior appearances in total, a significant base to build upon. Chelsea has expressed encouragement regarding his attitude since his return to the club's training facilities at Cobham, where he is being monitored in a stable environment. His family has attended recent matches, indicating a supportive structure. There is optimism that Paez could secure a loan move in England in January or potentially benefit from an international loan slot becoming available. The hope remains that he can recapture the form that initially attracted Chelsea and fulfill his considerable potential.