Independiente’s Sporting Director Pablo Cavallero has confirmed that young star Kendry Paez will be joining Chelsea in 2025, with the 16-year-old already having agreed personal terms with the Blues.
While Todd Boehly’s strategy in the transfer market at senior level since his takeover 12 months ago leaves much to be desired from a Chelsea perspective, he is certainly investing in youth.
Last summer, he recruited young midfield stars Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesarei Casadei from Aston Villa and Inter Milan respectively, for a total cost of over £35m.
Omari Hutchinson also joined the youth setup from Arsenal, and made his Premier League debut against Manchester City in January, coming on for the final 22 minutes of their 1-0 defeat.
(Photo by Conor Molloy/News Images) 2M797Y9 Omari Giraud-Hutchinson #56 of Chelsea on the ball during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match Manchester City vs Chelsea at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, United Kingdom, 8th January 2023
(Photo by Conor Molloy/News Images) (Alamy Stock Photo)
That recruitment drive continued in January, with Andrey Santos and David Datro Fofana both arriving for eight-figure sums, though Santos returned to Brazil on loan and Fofana has been frozen out of the squad since his arrival.
And that desire to invest in the youth system has continued, with Ecuador midfielder Kendry Paez the latest addition to the side, though the 16 year old will not arrive until 2025, when he turns 18 and is legally allowed to make the switch to Europe.
“We received bids from Man United and Borussia Dortmund but Chelsea showed super interest”,
The left-footed attacking midfielder has impressed despite his age, already earning call-ups to the Ecuador U-20 side and making five senior appearances for Independiente, during which time he has scored one goal.
No price is mentioned in the deal, but whatever the Blues paid could well be worth it many times over if they have been able to snag a gem.
