Chelsea Complete First Signing As Summer Rebuild Kicks Off

Chelsea Complete First Signing As Summer Rebuild Kicks Off

Fred Kennedy
updated at June 6, 2023 at 8:29 AM
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  • Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Independiente del Valle youngster Kendry Paez
  • The attacking midfielder becomes Chelsea's first signing of the Mauricio Pochettino era
  • Paez, who recently turned 16, will only make a Stamford Bridge move when he turns 18

Chelsea have completed their first signing of the summer window after sealing the signature of teenage midfielder, Kendry Paez.

Paez, who hails from Ecuador, is regarded as one of the most promising midfielders in South America.

Kendry Paez celebrates after scoring during a FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023 Group B match between Ecuador vs Fiji at Estadio Santiago del Estero. Photo by Guillermo Legaria.
Kendry Paez celebrates after scoring during a FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023 Group B match between Ecuador vs Fiji at Estadio Santiago del Estero. Photo by Guillermo Legaria.
Source: Getty Images

According to The Sun, the teenage sensation will be moving to Stamford Bridge from Ecuadorian outfit, Independiente del Valle.

Incredibly, Paez will only be only eligible to join the Blues after he has turned 18, meaning the west Londoners will have to wait for two more years before they can have him within their ranks.

However, back home, the 16-year-old is already making a name for himself, having already played in the first team for Independiente del Valle, scoring once in five top flight appearances.

Sky Sports reports that the attacking midfielder also shone for Ecuador at the U20 World Cup this summer, with the publication reporting Chelsea will be forking out €20 million to land him.

Chelsea announce Paez's signing

The signing of Paez from Independiente del Valle was confirmed by Chelsea in a statement. The club has described the youngster as 'one of the most creative young talents' in the world.

"The Ecuadorian, who will join Chelsea after his 18th birthday, has already built a reputation in South America as one of the brightest and most creative young talents around. Thanks to his combination of skilful dribbling along with the vision and technique to open up defences with his passing," the statement read, via Football London.

Chelsea star pleads with Mount

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Chelsea ace, Ben Chilwell pleading with Mason Mount to reconsider his Stamford Bridge future and stay with the club.

Mount has been linked with a possible exit this summer, with Manchester United believed to be the leading contender for his services next term.

However, Chilwell, who is close friends with the Blues' reportedly outgoing midfielder, has urged him to reject the move and stay with the London club.

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Fred Kennedy
Fred Kennedy has a Bachelor's degree in journalism (Daystar University), currently working as a Sports Editor. He has more than five years of experience in digital journalism.
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