Kendry Paez, the burgeoning Ecuadorian midfield talent once dubbed the “Ecuadorian Messi,” has begun a season-long loan from Chelsea to RC Strasbourg in France’s Ligue 1.
Chelsea made the move official, confirming that Paez joins Strasbourg as the third and final permitted loanee following Mamadou Sarr and Mike Penders.
Although the West London club agreed his transfer from Independiente del Valle back in June 2023, FIFA rules prevented Paez from joining until after his 18th birthday in May this year.
Over the past two seasons, Paez was a fixture at Independiente del Valle, making seventy appearances and scoring thirteen goals by the time he departed Ecuador.
He plays in a deeper central midfield role, developing positional awareness that complements his flair and dribbling prowess.
Internationally, he has already earned eighteen caps for Ecuador, occasionally lining up alongside Moises Caicedo in midfield, despite being just eighteen himself.
Chelsea’s Strategy Within BlueCo’s Network
Chelsea will monitor his progress in France and support his evolution through the loan period.
In joining Strasbourg, he becomes part of the BlueCo-owned multi-club structure, following in the footsteps of Penders and Sarr.
This alignment not only keeps players within a familiar ecosystem but also aims to accelerate their acclimation to European football while preserving the Blues’ control over their development.
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A Defining Year Ahead for Kendry Paez
For Paez, the move represents his first foray into European club competition. He previously travelled with Enzo Maresca’s senior team to the Club World Cup, but only as an observer and training watch member without featuring in matches.
Now he will attempt to prove himself on the pitches of Ligue 1, testing his readiness against seasoned opponents and under the guidance of Strasbourg’s coaching staff, including former Blues development squad coach Filipe Coelho now serving alongside manager Liam Rosenior.
Despite waning hype in comparison to fellow Chelsea newcomer Estevao Willian, this loan may be the defining moment in Paez’s transition from South American prodigy to polished European professional.
Now entrenched within Chelsea’s increasingly crowded midfield hierarchy, this season at Strasbourg is not just a chance to play, but to stake a claim in a future squad brimming with competition.
In the coming months, all eyes will follow his adaptation and whether he can harness his raw ability into consistent performances at the top level.
Chelsea will be watching closely, hoping this phase marks a genuine leap forward in a career that promised much – and could yet deliver even more.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo
Recording Date: 06.09.2024