2
Chelsea are close to closing a deal to bring Kendry Páez, Independiente del Valle’s wunderkind, 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 is closing a verbal agreement with Independiente del Valle to sign the Ecuadorian jewel Kendry Paez.”
“Deal close to completion.”
“A midfielder born in 2007, one of the best talents in South America, Kendry will be able to join Chelsea when he turns 18.”
EXCL: Chelsea are nearing a verbal agreement with Independiente del Valle to sign Ecuadorian gem Kendry Paez, a deal nearing completion. ???????????????? #CFC
Midfielder born in 2007, one of the best talents in South America, Kendry will be able to join Chelsea when he turns 18. pic.twitter.com/mM6vJORa8n
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 23, 2023
Páez is shaping up to be the latest Ecuadorian talent to reach the Premier League after Brighton’s Moisés Caicedo.
The midfielder was unable to participate with his country’s Under-20 team in the recently concluded CONMEBOL Under-20 Championship that Brazil won.
There was a clamor to integrate Páez into the first team and push him into action.
The youngster has been on the Independiente del Valle bench in each of the team’s first two games this season.
Páez will become yet another addition to the 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.
Along with Chelsea and United, Liverpool and Manchester City were also watching Páez.
Primarily an attacking midfielder who specializes in creating plays, Páez has been compared to Lionel Messi in terms of the way he plays and what he can do. Whether he can live up to this high praise remains to be seen.
United Matchday Magazine – Stay on top of everything in the red. Still itching for more United content? Get everything you need right here. For just £1.25 per issue / £3.75 per month, you’ll receive unique United information, delivered directly to your inbox, before every game and throughout the month.
Get exclusive preparation for every game, plus team news, tactics and history. Not only that – United Matchday is packed with articles, news, transfer news, riddles, nostalgia and humor. Impress your friends and stay on top of everything in red!
