Chelsea agree deal to sign Kendry Paez

Chelsea have struck a deal to sign Kendry Paez from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle.

The 16-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder will not join until after he turns 18, on 4 May 2025, but becomes Chelsea's first signing ahead of the summer transfer window.

Paez made his name in the Ecuadorian top flight after becoming the youngest ever debutant, and goal scorer.

He has played in six senior matches for the club, scoring once, and featured in a 2-1 Copa Libertadores win over Corinthians at the beginning of May.

Paez has also been capped at Under-17 and Under-20 level too for Ecuador. He starred in the U17 Copa America, scoring twice and providing six assists as captain. 

And in this summer's FIFA U20 World Cup, he started in all four of their matches, scoring once and assisting a further three times. Indeed, in netting in the tournament, he became the youngest ever goalscorer in the competition.

Chelsea will be hoping for a much improved 2023/24 season as they prepare for pre-season, in which they will feature in the Premier League's Summer Series tournament. 

See: Summer 2023 Transfers & News