Credit: Imago

Kendry Paez 'very likely' not to be at Chelsea next season

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

14 May 2025, 12:16 pm

Chelsea supporters are unlikely to see Kendry Paez at Stamford Bridge next season following his arrival from Independiente del Valle.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder has made a name for himself over in Ecuador, notching eight goals and five assists in 35 appearances this season and already has 17 international caps.

While the Blues' attack is already stacked to the rafters, with Cole Palmer always occupying the attacking midfield position for Enzo Maresca, fans are extremely excited to welcome Paez to Stamford Bridge.

However, Mick Brown told Football Insider (15 April) that Palmer could be tempted to leave Chelsea this summer if an official offer were to be made amid concerns over his role under Maresca.

Despite this, it seems unlikely that Paez will remain in West London ahead of the 2025/26 campaign after the latest update.

🚨🇪🇨 Kendry Páez, training with RC Strasbourg ahead of his imminent move to Europe after deal done with Chelsea two years ago.

Páez was at Cobham last month and now working under Rosenior to understand his methods.@lebaron_bleu 📸 pic.twitter.com/UWqECtk5lE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 8, 2025

Kendry Paez to be loaned out by Chelsea

Writing on BBC Sport (13 May), Nizaar Kinsella expects Paez to be loaned out this summer, and while this has not been confirmed by Chelsea, some sources believe it is highly likely.

The Blues, instead, could sign a brand-new winger, though that will depend on the futures of Jadon Sancho and Mykhailo Mudryk, with the latter facing legal issues.

Player	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Kendry Paez	70	13	6

Enzo Maresca is feeling the heat from Chelsea fans. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Enzo Maresca preparing for summer of change at Stamford Bridge

Football Insider verdict

The Blues are in contention for a top-five finish, qualifying for the Champions League next season, as well as lifting the Europa Conference League title in Poland on Wednesday, 28 May.

That, however, has done little to lift the growing pressure off Maresca at Chelsea, with supporters extremely unhappy with the Italian's playing style.

Another summer transfer window could certainly help his prospects at Stamford Bridge, and Christopher Nkunku is likely to lead a Chelsea exodus ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Robert Sanchez, Ben Chilwell, Joao Felix, and Noni Madueke have all been linked with exits before the summer transfer window, and those sales could help generate funds for some high-profile signings.

Football Insider understands that Chelsea are now frontrunners to sign Leroy Sane from Bayern Munich, and that could just be one of several exciting additions over the coming weeks.

Chelsea FC

Enzo Maresca