Chelsea Reaches Agreement to Sign Young Ecuadorian Player Paez

Chelsea, competing in the English Premier League, announced today, Monday, that it has reached an agreement to sign Ecuadorian U-20 national team player Kendry Paez from Independiente del Valle. The 16-year-old, considered one of the brightest talents in South America and who has played five matches with Independiente in the Ecuadorian first division this season, will join Chelsea after turning 18 in May 2025. Paez played a key role for Ecuador in the U-17 Copa America this year, scoring two goals as the team finished second behind Brazil. The young player is Chelsea's first signing before the new season, as the English team looks to rebuild under new manager Mauricio Pochettino after finishing 12th in its worst season since 1994.