Kendry Páez leaves River Plate to return to Chelsea

Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Páez has terminated his contract with River Plate and is set to return to Chelsea. The decision follows a period of uncertainty where the 19-year-old was training separately from the main squad at the Cantilo training ground.

Before his departure, Páez was involved in a social media controversy following River Plate's elimination from the Copa Sudamericana by Independiente Santa Fe. A viral image, featuring a black background and a grimacing emoji, was widely interpreted as a mockery of the club's defeat. Páez issued a public denial, stating, “that publication never came from my account,” and emphasized that he would never intentionally mock the team or its difficult moments.

Páez, who joined River on loan from Chelsea, made 14 appearances during his tenure in Argentina. Following his contract rescission, he is expected to travel to England, where Chelsea will determine his next move, amid interest from clubs in the Premier League and the Championship.