Chelsea make loan decision on Kendry Paez

Chelsea have made the decision to loan out Kendry Paez to French outfit Strasbourg for the 2025/26 campaign.

The Ecuadorian wonderkid will formally join the club this summer, but the Blues have decided against picking him for the Club World Cup.

The 18-year-old is said to be frustrated by the hierarchy's decision, but the Blues believe he needs more time to adapt before he can make the grade.

Paez is expected to be loaned out to sister club Strasbourg for the 2025/26 season so that he can secure valuable first-team minutes.

The club did something similar with Andrey Santos last summer, and it has proved dividends. The Brazil had a stand-out campaign.

Santos is due to participate for the Blues at the Club World Cup, but there is speculation that he could be sold later on this summer.

The former Vasdo da Gama graduate was purchased for just £15 million. He could be sold for a package of around £35-40 million.