“I can say” – Chelsea beat Man Utd & Dortmund to 16-year-old signing ahead of 2025 move

Chelsea have won the race to sign Ecuadorian wonderkid Kendry Paez, his current club Independiente del Valle have confirmed.

The 16-year-old was highly sought after amongst Europe’s biggest clubs, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund showing interest.

A deal which could be worth up to £17.5 million was agreed last month, as reported by the Evening Standard, but Paez will not be able to join Chelsea until the summer of 2025 when he turns 18.

Official confirmation is yet to come from Chelsea, however Independiente del Valle director Santiago Morales confirmed the agreement with the west London outfit.

“Today, I can say that Kendry Paez, in two years’ time, will go to Chelsea,” Morales said on Wednesday.

“We received offers from Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United, Chelsea were the team that showed the most interest.”

Paez is the next youngster to commit his future to Chelsea following the club’s emphasis on signing the best young talent all over the world.

Chelsea’s desire of building a multi-club model, with an agreement with Ligue 1 side Strasbourg close according to Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian, will enable Paez and others to continue their development, if decided, in Europe before making the cut and getting their chance at Stamford Bridge.