Chelsea send Kendry Paez on loan to River Plate

Chelsea have reportedly decided to send Kendry Paez on loan to River Plate in a surprise move that looks set to go through imminently.

Fabrizio Romano has posted on X that the Blues have recalled Paez from his loan at Strasbourg as they instead prepare to send him out on a different loan deal.

The talented 18-year-old has long been regarded as a huge prospect in world football, though he only managed one goal in 21 games with Strasbourg this season.

See below for details from Romano as Chelsea now prepare to try something different for Paez as he prepares to have a medical with River…

?? EXCLUSIVE: River Plate agree deal to sign Kendry Páez on loan from Chelsea, here we go! ???#CFC recall Kendry from Strasbourg loan with new talents coming, Páez travels to Buenos Aires for medical tests as ideal solution for his development.

Season long loan agreed ?? pic.twitter.com/F7PuOz3Qzr

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 28, 2026

“EXCLUSIVE: River Plate agree deal to sign Kendry Páez on loan from Chelsea, here we go!” Romano posted.

“#CFC recall Kendry from Strasbourg loan with new talents coming, Páez travels to Buenos Aires for medical tests as ideal solution for his development. Season long loan agreed”

What next for Chelsea wonderkid Kendry Paez?

Paez will no doubt be hoping to do a lot better with his next loan after a slightly underwhelming spell in Ligue 1.

Kendry Paez celebrates a goal for Strasbourg (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

The Ecuador international surely still has a big future in the game, but perhaps the move to Europe came a bit soon for him, hence the return to South America now being on the cards.

Chelsea fans will hope Paez can still develop into a first-team player for them in the near future, as he looked like an exciting acquisition at first.