Why was Kendry Paez at Chelsea’s training complex in Cobham on Monday?
Kendry Paez adapting to his life in England
The 17-year-old is at the Blues’ training centre in Cobham on Monday. He is preparing for his new football chapter in his career in England. He’ll be joining the squad in the summer this year.
The young midfielder is at one of his future teams’ training complex as he is preparing to join Chelsea at the end of the campaign. Back in June 2023, reports claimed that the club had agreed a £17 million deal with Independiente del Valle for Paez. The move meant that the player will be switching sides to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2025. Now the teenager is at his new club’s training centre as he starts adjusting to European football with his move in June. Although, the Ecuadorian season ends in December.
Paez is one of the emerging talents from his home country, Ecuador. The Blues have seen him and are hopeful that he’ll shine in their blue colors. He will train under his new sides’ staff for the next few months. After that, he will be joining the first team in pre-season for the first time.
Kendry Paez: Chelsea’s new teenage sensation
Enzo Maresca’s team will finally complete the move of top-rated teenager this summer. He has arrived at the club after agreeing his deal back in 2023.
Maresca’s side confirmed that a move of around £17.27 million has been agreed with Independiente del Valle for Kendry’s signing.
The sporting manager of Independiente del Valle, Luis Fernando Saritama spoke about their deal with the west London side last week.
He said: “Last week we spoke with Kendry Paez, there are two possibilities. Chelsea has requested that the player have a period of adaptation in Europe from now on. We are analysing it with his representation agency and the club that owns his rights.”
He added: “I would not rule out the possibility that Kendry will not play with us these months, however, the issue of the adaptation period is being evaluated. He has told us of his intention to have an adaptation period in Europe and we understand that.”
In addition, Estevao Willian, another South American talent will be joining Chelsea in the summer transfer window. He is currently playing at Palmeiras. The Brazil international will move to west London from Palmeiras at the end of the campaign. His new team will take a decision on whether or not he will be loaned out for the 2025/26 season.
The 17-year-old Brazilian is seen as his nation’s next big talent. He has also spoken with his soon to be teammate, Paez, last year about their future at Chelsea. Speaking to Placar last year he said: ” Me and Kendry Paez, we can play together. He plays more centrally and nowadays I play more on the wing. Kendry told me he can’t wait to join Chelsea.”
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel on Enzo Marseca
The former Blues midfielder shared his thoughts on the Blues defeat to Brighton on the weekend.
Maresca’s men suffered a 3-0 loss to Brighton. The manager called that this was the worst performance under his charge.
On his Obi One podcast, former player Obi Mikel said: “That would have been a huge crisis back in the day.
“The helicopter would have been landed by now. Surely would have landed by now. And whoever is in charge would have been gone. The helicopter would have landed by now. There’s no two ways about it.
“I’m not calling for the sack of Enzo Maresca. I’m not. My issue is that what is going on is not right.”
The west London club are sixth in the Premier League table.
Author’s Opinion
With the new, highly-rated youngsters coming to the Stamford Bridge, the Blues long-term future seems to be in good hands. It would be a great watch for the fans to see these teenagers grace the Premier League with their impressive talents.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
