Kendry Páez Set For Strasbourg Loan As Chelsea Finalize Move

Chelsea are close to sealing a loan for Kendry Páez. The young midfielder will move to RC Strasbourg, with the deal set to be completed shortly. The Ecuadorian talent will join the French club for the 2025/26 season. This follows similar moves for Mike Penders and Mamadou Sarr.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Páez, 18, recently trained with Chelsea after joining for £17.2 million from Independiente del Valle. However, he has yet to play a competitive match in England. This is due to FIFA age regulations. Now eligible, Chelsea think regular game time in Europe is best for his development. He did travel to the Club World Cup with Chelsea but did not play in games. Páez is one of three young Blues who will head to Strasbourg this summer, according to a recent report confirming his loan move.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR CHELSEA AND STRASBOURG

Páez’s move comes as his reputation has slightly dropped, overshadowed by other South American players such as Estevao Willian. However, regular minutes in Ligue 1 could reignite his form. Strasbourg qualified for the Conference League last season, and the extra minutes and European competition exposure may help its young squad get the needed experience before making the jump to bigger teams. As noted in reports, Strasbourg improved their squad with the addition of young talents like Páez, Sarr, and Penders, hoping to build on their recent performance.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR PÁEZ AND BOTH CLUBS?

Páez will join Strasbourg for preseason training, hoping to become a regular in France’s top division. Strasbourg face a tough start to Ligue 1, with their opening game against Metz, a team battled relegation last season. Chelsea, meanwhile, will keenly monitor Páez’s minutes and performance. They aim to develop future first-team players. The loan will be reviewed at midseason, hoping Páez can recapture the form that made him a top talent in South America, as per the ongoing discussions surrounding his potential loan arrangement.