7
Chelsea are close to finalizing a deal to bring Independiente del Valle wonderkid Kendry Paez to Stamford Bridge.
The Peoples Person had reported that Paez was also on Manchester United’s radar but according to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are now one step closer to completing the transfer.
“Chelsea are closing in on a verbal agreement with Independiente del Valle to sign Ecuadorian gem Kendry Paez.”
“Deal close to being completed.”
“Midfielder born in 2007, one of the best talents in South America, Kendry will be able to join Chelsea when he will turn 18.”
EXCL: Chelsea are closing in on verbal agreement with Independiente del Valle to sign Ecuadorian gem Kendry Paez — deal close to be completed. 🚨🔵🇪🇨 #CFC
Midfielder born in 2007, one of the best talents in South America, Kendry will be able to join Chelsea when he will turn 18. pic.twitter.com/mM6vJORa8n
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 23, 2023
Paez is set to be the latest Ecuadorian talent to arrive in the Premier League after Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.
The midfielder was held back from featuring for his country’s U-20 team at the recently concluded CONMEBOL U-20 Championship that was won by Brazil.
There was a clamour to integrate Paez into the first team and thrust him into the action.
The youngster has made Independiente del Valle’s bench in each of the team’s first two games this season.
Paez is set to become yet another addition to a growing list of young stars signed by Chelsea.
Other names on the list include Malo Gusto, Carney Chukwuemeka, Andrey Santos, David Datro Fofana, Gabriel Slonina and Cesare Casadei.
Alongside Chelsea and United, Liverpool and Manchester City were also keeping tabs on Paez.
Primarily an attacking midfielder who specializes in playmaking, Paez has been likened to Lionel Messi in terms of the way he plays and what he can do. It remains to be seen whether he can live up to this high praise.
United Matchday Magazine – be in the know about everything in red!
Still itching for more United content? Get everything you need right here. For just £1.25 per issue/£3.75 a month you’ll receive unique insights into United, straight to your inbox – before every match and throughout the month.
- Get the exclusive build-up to each match, plus team news, tactics and history.
- Not only that – United Matchday is jam-packed with articles, news, transfer news, puzzles, nostalgia and humour.
- Impress your friends and be in the know about everything in red!
