Chelsea Seeks Loan Move
Chelsea midfielder Kendry Páez is attracting interest from English Championship leaders Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City ahead of the second transfer window, ecuavisa.com reported.
The 19-year-old Ecuadorian spent the first transfer market in the Chelsea Under-21 squad to build match rhythm and adjust to English football after failing to secure a temporary move. Several clubs initially rejected loan offers due to past experiences with the player, according to ecuavisa.com.
Páez has made seven appearances for the Chelsea youth team, including three starts and four substitute outings, contributing two assists. Chelsea’s primary condition for any loan departure is that the receiving club guarantees first-team minutes.
Clubs monitor Páez while Chelsea loan limits restrict overseas moves
Blackburn and Birmingham lead the race for the teenager’s signature for 2027, alongside three other unnamed second-tier English clubs. Overseas suitors have also emerged, with Mechelen in Belgium, Trabzonspor in Turkey, and Celtic in Scotland monitoring the situation for the second half of the campaign.
Domestic options remain the most viable path because Chelsea has reached its limit for foreign loan spots. The Premier League club would need to recall an existing loanee to send Páez abroad.
National team manager Marcelo Gallardo has called up Páez for Ecuador’s upcoming international friendlies against Costa Rica and Bolivia, despite the youngster’s lack of senior appearances at Stamford Bridge.
Questions about Kendry Páez's Chelsea status and international calls
When did Kendry Páez join Chelsea’s setup?
The Ecuadorian midfielder remained with the Chelsea Under-21 squad during the initial transfer window to build match fitness after failing to land a temporary move elsewhere.
How many goal contributions does Páez have in England?
He has recorded two assists across seven appearances in Premier League 2, starting three matches and coming off the bench four times.
Which international matches has Páez been called up for?
Manager Marcelo Gallardo selected the midfielder for Ecuador’s upcoming friendlies against Costa Rica and Bolivia during the FIFA international window.
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