New £17.2m Chelsea signing to train with first team ahead of Liverpool Carabao Cup final
New Chelsea signing Kendry Paez is set to train with Mauricio Pochettino's first team ahead of the Liverpool Carabao Cup final on Sunday, according to Mail Online. The 16-year-old prodigy has travelled from Ecuador to London to prepare with the team for their big match at Wembley Stadium.
Paez, who will officially join Chelsea in a £17.2million deal when he turns 18 in May 2025, made history in October as the youngest South American to score in a World Cup qualifier. He'll be training alongside Moises Caicedo, who assisted his historic goal.
This week's visit to Cobham is part of a series planned by Chelsea to help Paez settle in before his permanent move. His current club, Independiente del Valle, have given their blessing for this arrangement as they're not due to play until the next Ecuadorian Serie A season starts in March.
Paez, who became the youngest goalscorer in the Ecuadorian Serie A at just 15, has been compared to football greats like Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria due to his skills as a left-footed midfielder-winger. Before Chelsea secured his signature, Paez was scouted by top European clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, and Manchester City. He's currently learning English in preparation for his move.
It's uncertain if he'll be at the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, where Chelsea hopes to win their first trophy under Todd Boehly, or if he'll need to go back to Independiente by then.
Paez was at the quarter-final against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge after his first meeting with Pochettino, though the manager's current contract is set to end before the young player arrives unless his one-year extension is activated.
After their 1-1 draw with Manchester City, Chelsea are back at Cobham getting
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