Ecuadorian top-notch prospect Kendry Paes (16, Independiente del Valye) has confirmed his move to Chelsea.
Chelsea said on the official website on the 5th (Korean time), “The club has agreed to a contract with the teenage midfielder Paez.” He has built a reputation in South America as a creative yet young timber.”메이저놀이터
Paes is a promising player whose name has recently been known to Korean soccer fans. This is because he hit the pitch as a starting member of Ecuador in the round of 16 match between Korea and the International Football Federation (FIFA) U-20 (under 20 years old) World Cup on the 2nd. At that time, Korea beat Ecuador 3-2 to advance to the quarterfinals, and on the 5th, defeated Nigeria 1-0 to advance to the semifinals.
In Korea ahead of the round of 16, a ‘Paes Alert’ was issued. Most of the players in the U-20 World Cup are still unknowns, but Paes was already a celebrity who stood out on the professional stage in his country. Going to the U-20 World Cup by beating older brothers who are 4 years older was also a part where you can feel the reputation. He was picked as one of the players Korea should best block. Paes could not raise the attack point, but showed a threatening appearance, such as earning a penalty kick while playing full-time.
Kendrey Paes. (Photo = Getty Images)
Even before the U-20 World Cup, news of Paes’ impending contract came out. Chelsea caught Paes early, who skipped class after class, but ended up formally joining two years later. Chelsea said, “Paes participated in the U-17 Copa America and recorded 2 goals and 6 assists, and in the U-20 World Cup this summer, he started in all 4 matches of Ecuador and scored 1 goal and 3 assists.”
Transfer market expert reporter Fabrizio Romano said, “Payes will join in 2025. He signed a long-term contract, and the medical test was completed in London last April.”
Paez, who made his Ecuadorian Serie A debut this season, scored one goal in five league matches. He became the youngest player to debut and score in the Ecuadorian first division.