‘Kendry Paez camp issues Chelsea exit update after Strasbourg training’
Kendry Paez’s camp have issued a strong update on a potential move from Chelsea to Strasbourg as the youngster has been training with the French side.
The Ecuadorian wonderkid was signed by the Blues in June 2023 when he was just 16 years old for £17.2million [Sky Sports].
The West London side have been forced to wait for two years to get their hands on the attacking midfielder, as he could not move abroad until after his 18th birthday.
During that time, Chelsea have developed concerns about Paez’s development, after a series of off-the-pitch skirmishes and some disappointing performances.
In preparation for his move to Europe from South America, the attacking midfielder has been training with Strasbourg, reports MailOnline, who are also owned by the Blues’ parent company BlueCo.
Kendry Paez’s camp refute loan plans
According to the report, in spite of Paez spending time with Liam Rosenior’s side, his camp insist there is currently no plan for the midfielder to be loaned there.
The time with the French club is intended to be merely an opportunity for him to acclimatise more to European football ahead of his move.
Kendry Paez in need of strong leadership from Chelsea
Football Insider Verdict
Two years ago, Paez was the highest profile youngster on his way to join the Blues’ squad, that is no longer the case.
Estevao Willian is set to join Chelsea from Palmeiras, and the Brazilian has overtaken the Ecuadorian international as the continent’s most exciting young talent.
Whilst the Brazilian is steadfast in his commitment to become one of the world’s best, the same cannot be said of Paez.
The wonderkid was warned by his national team head coach after being caught up in a partying scandal [MailOnline], and there were concerns that Gonzalo Plata, one of the 18-year-old’s heroes growing up, was having a negative effect on him.
There will be a temptation for Chelsea to loan Paez out, given he is unlikely to be ready for Premier League football on his arrival this summer.
But in doing so, it would likely only hinder the Ecuadorian’s ability to settle in England long-term, and as such, impact his football.
Instead, Chelsea should look to keep him with the first team, where he can spend time with his international teammate Moises Caicedo and where the coaches can keep a close eye on the talented youngster.