The 19-year-old returned to Chelsea after his loan at River Plate was cut short in August. He had previously spent the first half of the 2025-26 season with Strasbourg, scoring once in 21 appearances, before joining the Argentine club in January.
Neither spell developed as hoped. Páez made 14 appearances for River Plate, registering a goal and an assist, but the loan ended early and he returned to London without securing another club before the summer deadline.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed in September that Páez would not be part of his first-team plans for the time being. The midfielder has since been playing for Chelsea’s development side, Cobham Next Gen, while the club considers how best to support his next stage of development.
According to Ecuadorian outlet Bolavip, Chelsea would prefer to recoup their investment if they sell Páez permanently. Chelsea agreed the deal with Independiente del Valle in 2023, with Páez arriving after turning 18 in 2025; reports value it at more than €20 million, although the exact fee structure remains undisclosed.
A move to the Championship is one possible route, as regular senior football in England could help Páez adapt to the domestic game. Another option would be a return to South America, where Chelsea could hope a more familiar environment would help him rebuild his form and market value.
His former youth coach Jorge Célico has expressed concern about the guidance Páez has received, while still backing his technical ability.
“In my opinion, Kendry isn’t being properly advised. He has the talent; I coached him in the U17s. Technically, he’s very good and has excellent vision. He’s a player who’s going to break out because he has so much talent,” Célico said.
Páez continues to feature for Chelsea’s Under-21 side, but Alonso has publicly ruled him out of his immediate first-team plans.
The next few months are likely to determine whether Chelsea pursue a sale or arrange another loan when the window opens. No deal has been confirmed, and the club’s preferred destination remains uncertain.