Chelsea transfer news: Kendry Paez 'plan' formulated ahead of Club World Cup, how has Ecuador star reacted?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter

Published: June 11 2025 | 13:33

Last updated: June 11 2025 | 13:50

Chelsea 'draw up' Paez plan ahead of Club World Cup

Chelsea allegedly formulate a plan for the short-term development of Kendry Paez ahead of the Club World Cup and second part of the summer transfer window.

Chelsea have reportedly settled on their stance regarding the short-term development of Kendry Paez.

Two years on from initially agreeing to move to Stamford Bridge, the now 18-year-old is eligible to link up with the Blues from Independiente del Valle.

Despite his youthful age, the versatile playmaker is already a 17-cap Ecuador international and contributed 13 goals and six assists from 70 appearances for his previous club.

As such, Chelsea officials have been considering whether to use the teenager in Enzo Maresca's squad for the 2025-26 campaign.

Paez on his way to France

However, as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea officials have decided to send the starlet to Strasbourg for a year.

The French outfit are under the same ownership banner as Chelsea and have qualified for next season's Conference League.

Paez will presumably link up with the Ligue 1 outfit once the second part of the summer transfer window opens later this month.

Widespread reports have indicated that Paez has been left out of Chelsea's plans for the Club World Cup.

Combined with the decision to send him out on loan, the prospect is said to have been left disappointed, as per sports broadcaster Ben Jacobs.

A necessary decision?

Although Paez has already suggested that he deserves to be regarded as one of the world's top prospects, it needs to be remembered that he only turned 18 years of age in May.

With 87 club and country appearances already under his belt, experience is on his side, but he has spent 2025 on the sidelines and out of the spotlight ahead of this transfer.

His 13-minute outing against Peru earlier this week was his first appearance of the year and that is not the foundation to make an immediate impact in a bloated squad at Chelsea.

Therefore, the move to Strasbourg makes sense for all parties. If Strasbourg can progress through the Conference League playoffs and into the League Phase, Paez will be earning regular minutes and in a better position to represent Chelsea in 2026-27.