Who is Kendry Paez? Club, career so far, transfer status at Chelsea and EA FC 24 stats for Ecuador’s wonderkid shining at the Copa America

Saturday, March 25, 2023, could go down as an important day in the history of Ecuadorian football. Only time will tell.

That afternoon, Kendry Paez, a 15-year-old Independiente del Valle rookie, made his professional debut, scoring a goal in his team’s 3-1 win over Mushuc Runa.

15-year-old Kendry Páez scores on his professional debut for Independiente del Valle! 🇪🇨

pic.twitter.com/rqN7kFnpWY

— TheSecretScout (@TheSecretScout_) February 25, 2023

Paez promises to be one of Ecuadorian football’s brightest future talents. The country already boasts young players like Moises Caideo and Piero Hincapie shining in Europe, and at home, Independiente del Valle won the Copa Sudamericana in 2019 and 2022. When it comes to being a major football power, the country is now arguably third on the South American continent behind Brazil and Argentina.

Paez could become perhaps the biggest star in Ecuador’s history. Here, The Sporting News takes a look at the early career of one of football’s most promising young talents and when Chelsea fans might be able to see him in the Premier League.

MORE: Full results, schedule and table of the 2024 Copa America in the United States

Who is Kendry Paez? The pearl of Independiente del Valle and future star of Chelsea

Kendry Paez was born on May 4, 2007. He is a left-footed player who plays in central midfield, although he can also operate as a number 10 or as a winger.

His attacking qualities are the ones that stand out the most. His composure when receiving the ball, his ability to penetrate the opponent’s penalty area and his dribbling in tight spaces are particularly praiseworthy. Also notable is the danger he exudes from free kicks and corners.

In addition to playing for Independiente de Valle, one of the most prominent clubs in South American football in recent years, Paez has also represented the Ecuadorian national team at the U17 and U20 age groups. At the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup, Paez became the youngest player to score a goal at the tournament when he netted in Ecuador’s 9-0 win over Fiji.

In June of the same year, he was called up to the senior national team for the first time. On his debut in September, he provided the assist for Felix Torres’ decisive goal against Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier, becoming the second youngest South American to ever play for the national team after the legendary Diego Maradona.

When will Kendry Paez play for Chelsea? Transfer status, transfer fee and contract date

On 5 June 2023, Chelsea announced that they had reached an agreement to sign Kendry Paez from Independiente del Valle.

The Premier League club confirmed that the player would join them after his 18th birthday in accordance with FIFA regulations on the transfer of minors, meaning he is expected to move to England in the summer of 2025.

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea will pay a fee of €20 million ($21.6 million/£17.27 million) for Paez, but according to Independiente del Valle director Santiago Morales, the total will actually be lower.

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Statistics, rating and potential of Kendry Paez EA FC 24

Kendry Paez is available in the EA FC 24 game as part of the Independiente del Valle team in the Copa Libertadores.

He plays best as a CAM, LW/RW or LF/RF, his overall rating is 71 but his potential rating is 87.

Paez has a four-star rating for special moves and three stars for his weak foot skills. His abilities include Flair Passes and Second Wind.