Chelsea Football Club has confirmed that their highly-rated Ecuadorian midfielder, Kendry Páez, will join Ligue 1 side RC Strasbourg Alsace on a season-long loan deal, effective this summer.
The 18-year-old, who officially joins Chelsea from Independiente del Valle after turning 18, will not be included in the Blues’ squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, as the club prioritizes his development through regular game time in Europe.
The decision, first reported by The Athletic’s Simon Johnson, aligns with Chelsea’s strategy to nurture their young talent within the BlueCo multi-club ownership network, including Chelsea and Strasbourg.
Páez, signed by Chelsea in June 2023 for a reported £17.27 million, has been hailed as one of South America’s brightest prospects.
The attacking midfielder, who debuted professionally at 15 and has earned 17 senior caps for Ecuador, is seen as a future star, with comparisons to Lionel Messi due to his flair and vision.
His loan to Strasbourg follows a period of acclimatization, with Páez already training with the French club in recent weeks alongside Chelsea loanees Andrey Santos and Djordje Petrović.
The move is designed to provide Páez with consistent first-team experience in a competitive European league, following the successful loan spells of Santos and Petrović at Strasbourg this season.
In a separate development, Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrović will also be absent from the Club World Cup squad, as reported by The Telegraph’s Matt Law.
The 24-year-old Serbian, who impressed during his loan at Strasbourg with 30 appearances and a Player of the Season award, is not part of Chelsea’s plans for the tournament.
Despite interest from multiple European clubs, Chelsea’s decision to exclude Petrović, alongside most of their loanees, reflects head coach Enzo Maresca’s view of the Club World Cup as a continuation of the 2024/25 campaign, prioritizing players who have been with the first team throughout the season.
The sole exception is midfielder Andrey Santos, who will return from his loan at Strasbourg to join Chelsea’s squad.
The 21-year-old Brazilian has excelled in Ligue 1, scoring nine goals and providing three assists in 31 appearances, earning a nomination for Ligue 1’s Young Player of the Year.
Santos’ inclusion highlights his readiness to compete for a first-team spot under Maresca.
Chelsea’s strategy highlights their devotion to developing young talent through strategic loans within the BlueCo network, with Páez expected to return to Stamford Bridge in 2026, better equipped for Premier League demands. Meanwhile, Petrović’s future remains uncertain, with speculation of a potential permanent transfer looming.
