“Talks taking place” – Fabrizio Romano shares transfer update on €20m Chelsea star | OneFootball

“Talks taking place” – Fabrizio Romano shares transfer update on €20m Chelsea star | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: the Chelsea News

the Chelsea News

·18 January 2026

“Talks taking place” – Fabrizio Romano shares transfer update on €20m Chelsea star

Article image:“Talks taking place” – Fabrizio Romano shares transfer update on €20m Chelsea star

Kendry Paez could leave Strasbourg before the end of the January window, with talks currently taking place to find the best solution according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues signed Paez from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle in 2023 for around €20m as a 16-year-old, but he’s yet to kick a ball for the club.


OneFootball Videos


Paez is already a full Ecuador international where he plays alongside current Chelsea star Moises Caicedo, whilst the Blues also have a strong South American contingent in their squad.

Kendry Paez could leave Strasbourg this month

The decision was taken last summer to send Paez on loan to Strasbourg in order to further his development and gain experience in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

However, things haven’t gone to plan in France, and Paez has had his lifestyle questioned, whilst he’s also struggled to secure a regular place in the side.

Article image:“Talks taking place” – Fabrizio Romano shares transfer update on €20m Chelsea star

Paez has struggled to settle at Strasbourg.

The Ecuadorian worked under now Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior at Strasbourg, and is currently being coached by Gary O’Neil.

The teenager has made 20 appearances in all competitions, and has scored once, but he’s only started four Ligue 1 games.

There had been reports Chelsea could recall Paez and loan him to Championship side Ipswich, and Romano has now provided an update.

He took to X.com and said:

“Kendry Páez could leave Strasbourg in the next two weeks with talks taking place to assess the best solution.”

Chelsea set to leave Mike Penders and Mamadou Sarr at Strasbourg

Whilst the Blues could look to recall Paez, the same can’t be said for other loanees Mike Penders and Mamadou Sarr.

More Stories / Latest News

Penders has impressed this season, and despite Rosenior now being at Chelsea the expectation is he remains in France for the remainder of the campaign.

The same can be said for Sarr who also knows Rosenior well, and if he continues to impress he could find himself in the first team squad at Stamford Bridge next season.

View publisher imprint