Chelsea complete deal for midfielder – but will have to wait until 2025 for the Ecuadorian youngster to join

Chelsea have made their first signing of the summer after striking a deal for Kendry Paez from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle.

The 16-year-old will officially join the Blues after his 18th birthday on 4 May 2025.

Paez is the youngest debutant and scorer in the Ecuadorian top flight.

He has six senior appearances in the league this season and has also been capped at U17 and U20 level by Ecuador. 

He has started all four of Ecuador’s FIFA U20 World Cup matches, scoring once and assisting a further three times. He is the youngest-ever player to score in the tournament.

Chelsea have reportedly paid €20m (£17.27m) for Paez’s services.