Why Chelsea have landed bargain summer transfer after reported £17.5m agreement

Chelsea confirmed an agreement was struck with Independiente del Valle for youngster Kendry Paez earlier this month.

The 16-year-old will make the switch to Stamford Bridge once he turns 18, which saw Chelsea beat Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund to the highly-rated Ecuadorian’s signature.

Paez has been competing at the Under-20 World Cup in Argentina, impressing on the world stage, though his tournament came to an end in the Round of 16 after a 3-2 defeat to South Korea.

It was reported Chelsea had reached a deal worth up to £17.5 million with Independiente del Valle for Paez. However, club director Santiago Morales has revealed the Blues will pay a ‘smaller amount’ for the teenager.

Speaking to Mach Deportes, Morales admitted: “Because of what the country is experiencing, I would not dare to give the amounts for the transfer of Kendry Paez to Chelsea.

“But it is not the $20 million that is being talked about, it’s a smaller amount.”

Chelsea are looking to purchase the best up and coming youngsters across the world to bring to the club as part of the club’s Vision 2030.

Andrey Santos, Cesare Casadei, Gabriel Slonina and Carney Chukwuemeka are amongst the young talent which have been brought to the club, with Paez the latest addition which will go through in the summer of 2025 once he turns 18.