Kendry Páez relegated to Chelsea Under-21 squad

Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Páez has been relegated to Chelsea's Under-21 development squad following a difficult period in his career. After a loan spell at River Plate in Argentina was terminated early, the 19-year-old returned to England without a new club to facilitate a move.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has indicated that Páez is not part of the first-team plans. The player, who was signed for approximately $20 million from Independiente del Valle, has struggled to find consistent playing time, recording only 13 full matches at the elite level since late 2024. During his time with River Plate, he appeared in 14 official matches, scoring one goal and providing one assist.

In addition to his club situation, Páez was recently left out of the Ecuador national team squad, marking a significant shift for the player who was once considered one of South America's brightest prospects.