Chelsea splash $22 million for teen prospect, says report

Chelsea are reportedly ready to announce yet another new player. Soccer transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Blues are set to complete the signing of Kendry Paez. The 15-year-old attacking midfielder will cost the west London club about $22 million. However, much of this fee is apparently add-on heavy for the Chelsea teen prospect.

Chelsea teen prospect Paez seen as one of the best in South America

Romano previously revealed that Chelsea were negotiating for the teen back in February. Paez currently plays for Independiente in his native country of Ecuador. He is widely considered to be one of the top teenage prospects in all of South America. Romano claims that everything has been agreed between the player and two clubs, Chelsea just has to announce the deal.

Because of his age, Paez will not join the Premier League club until 2025. Players must be 18 before moving to teams in Europe. The midfielder was born in 2007 and turns 16 on Thursday.

Midfielder starred in recent U17 tourney

Paez was part of the Ecuador U17 national team that finished second in the 2023 South American U17 Championship. He managed to score two goals and rack up six assists in just eight games in the competition. Overall, Paez has managed three goals and eight assists in 11 total matches with the U17 team.

Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have certainly not been afraid to splash the cash with their new club. The duo spent over $600 million on new players throughout their first season at the helm. However, a majority of these moves have not yet panned out. The Blues currently sit a disappointing 12th in the Premier League table and have lost six consecutive matches.

Chelsea have also reportedly signed 18-year-old winger Alex Matos as well. Romano revealed that the England youth international will complete a free transfer from Norwich this summer. Matos scored one goal and added four assists throughout various levels of Norwich’s youth setup this season.

Photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire