The Athletic reveals Chelsea’s plan for wonderkid arriving this summer, fans will be surprised | OneFootball

Chelsea are lining up teenager Kendry Paez for what some would consider a surprise role according to The Athletic.

The Blues agreed a fee worth €20m for Paez in 2023 with Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle when he was just 16, and he’s already at Chelsea getting used to his surroundings before officially joining in the summer.

With the signing of Geovany Quenda from Sporting Lisbon Chelsea believe they have three of the best talents in their age group a long with Estevao Willian.

Chelsea view Paez as Fernandez understudy

Paez, who is already a full Ecuador international is regarded as one of the biggest talents in South America and Chelsea certainly have high hopes for the 17-year-old.

The teenager, who already has 17 caps for Ecuador, where he plays alongside current Blues star Moises Caicedo is an attacking midfielder, but can also operate in the wide areas.

Paez will officialy join Chelsea this summer. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

Given the volume of young players arriving and the competition for places it’s fair to wonder where Paez fits in at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are well stocked in the wide areas, but The Athletic have reported Chelsea actually see Paez as an understudy and support for Enzo Fernandez in midfield.

There have been reports that Chelsea will send Paez on loan to sister club Strasbourg next season, although nothing has been officially confirmed by the club.

It would make sense for Paez to go on loan given the amount of competition for places, especially if the Blues complete a move for Dario Essugo.

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However, there is a chance he could go straight into the squad to compete for minutes, but if there’s an opportunity to get regular minutes elsewhere that would arguably be more beneficial for his development.

The club are facing a critical summer window, arguably the most important of the new ownership, but it appears they have at least got things mapped out for the future, now they just need to take action.