Attacking midfielder Kendry Paez has finally worn a Chelsea shirt, making his debut for the club's Under-21s, Cobham Next Gen. The 19-year-old featured as a 12th-minute substitute in a 4-1 victory away to Arsenal on Saturday.
Chelsea agreed a £17.27m deal to sign Paez from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle in 2023 when he was 16. His development has not progressed as quickly as many anticipated, leading to new manager Xabi Alonso stating Paez was "not in my plans" and the club listing him as an academy player.
Paez's recent loan spell at Argentine club River Plate ended by mutual consent, where he scored once in 14 appearances. Previously, he had a loan at Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg, which was cut short after one goal in 21 appearances, despite winning September's Young Player of the Month award in the French top flight.
Chelsea explored a loan move within English football, but FIFA regulations prevented an overseas loan due to the club using all six international loan slots. There is optimism from those close to Paez that he could secure a first loan move in England in January, or an international loan spot may become available.