Sources: Liverpool beaten to Kendry Paez signing after £20m offer accepted
Chelsea have beaten the likes of Liverpool, Man United and Man City to the signing of midfield wonderkid Kendry Paez, sources have told Football Insider.
European giants Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund were also interested in signing the 15-year-old.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (27 February) that Chelsea have reached a deal in principle to sign Ecuadorian star Paez after a £20million package was accepted.
The Stamford Bridge club took a proactive approach in their pursuit of the starlet and have now agreed a fee with Independiente del Valle.
It is believed that the midfielder could cost the Blues around £20m – with any potential fee set to rise depending on his performances up to his 18th birthday.
The teenager is one of the most sought-after youngsters in world football but cannot link up with Chelsea until he turns 18 in 2025.
Sources with knowledge of the situation told Football Insider that the Londoners are confident that Paez will be playing international football in due course – which would make it easier to gain a permit.
He is already part of the Independiente first team despite his tender age.
He became the youngest-ever player in the Ecuadorian Serie A on Saturday (25 February) and marked the occasion with a goal to help his side to a 3-1 victory over Mushuc Runa.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Paez was part of their transfer focus on refreshing their side with youth.
First-teamers Stefan Bajcetic, Fabio Carvalho, Harvey Elliott and Calvin Ramsey are recent additions to the Merseyside club under the age of 21.
In other news, pundit issues emphatic Alisson verdict as Liverpool look to sign new goalkeeper.