Chelsea Reject Perfect Transfer Opportunity Despite Growing Midfield Concerns

19-year-old Kendry Paez has returned to London after his loan spell at River Plate was ended early by the Argentine club. Head coach Xabi Alonso confirmed that Paez will not be included in the first-team plans this season after Chelsea failed to secure another loan move for the Ecuadorian player in England.

Alonso discusses Paez's plans at Chelsea

When asked whether Paez would enter the first-team squad before January, Alonso quickly ruled out that possibility. According to The Athletic, Alonso said: "No, no. He is not in the plans. At the moment, he is not part of the first-team squad."

The 19-year-old was originally expected to go out on loan again in the 2026/27 season, but Chelsea failed to complete a deal before the UK transfer window closed. Based on Alonso's comments, Paez will prioritize completing a loan move that keeps him in England in January.

Paez made only 469 minutes of appearances for River Plate in total in 2026, contributing two goals or assists. His last appearance for River Plate came in late May, when he played only 13 minutes.

Since Chelsea signed him for more than £17 million in July 2025, the Ecuadorian player has not made an appearance for the club. He was subsequently loaned to River Plate and Ligue 1 side Strasbourg. At Strasbourg, he made 20 appearances, totaling 711 minutes and scoring one goal.

Recently, the 19-year-old received playing time in Ecuador's round-of-32 match against Mexico at the 2026 World Cup. He did not appear in any of the three group-stage matches.

Alonso intends to keep Paez away from the first team, while Chelsea midfielders Moises Caicedo and Premier League veteran Jordan Henderson are both unavailable due to injuries.