Chelsea consider Kendry Páez exit as January transfer uncertainty grows

Chelsea could allow Kendry Páez to leave in January as the club assesses the Ecuadorian midfielder's development following two interrupted loan spells.

The 19-year-old has struggled to establish himself since arriving in England in 2025, having previously spent time at Strasbourg and River Plate.

According to Ecuadorian outlet Bolavip, Chelsea are considering another loan or a permanent sale, with a Championship move or a return to South America among the reported possibilities.

Chelsea agreed to sign Páez from Independiente del Valle in 2023, with the deal widely reported to be worth around £17 million.

He officially joined the Blues after turning 18 in May 2025 but has yet to make a senior competitive appearance for the club.

Páez initially moved to Strasbourg, where he scored once in 21 appearances across all competitions before Chelsea recalled him in January 2026.

He subsequently joined River Plate, but that agreement also ended prematurely in August after 14 appearances.

The midfielder returned to London without securing another loan before the summer transfer deadline.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed in September that Páez was not part of his immediate first-team plans.

The Ecuador international has instead been playing for the club's Under-21 side.

Bolavip reports that Chelsea are assessing several possibilities for Páez when the transfer window reopens.

A loan to a Championship club could give him regular senior football in England, while a return to South America has also been mentioned.

The Ecuadorian outlet claims a permanent sale is another option, although Chelsea would prefer to recover a substantial portion of their original investment.

There is currently no confirmation that negotiations have begun with any interested club.

Despite the uncertainty, Páez has shown flashes of his attacking ability in Chelsea's development team.

He provided an assist against Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Trophy in September and was also credited with creating a goal against Liverpool Under-21s on 24 October.

Those contributions could strengthen his case for another opportunity at senior level.

Former Ecuador youth coach Jorge Célico has previously expressed concern about the decisions made during Páez's early career.

"In my opinion, Kendry isn't being properly advised," Célico said.

The Argentine coach nevertheless praised the midfielder's technical quality and vision, insisting he still possesses the talent to succeed.

Célico suggested that Páez may have missed important stages of his development by progressing too quickly through the international youth system.

Páez will continue working with Chelsea's Under-21 squad while the club considers his options ahead of January.

Another loan could offer regular senior football, although a permanent departure has not been ruled out in the latest reporting.