Chelsea wonderkid Kendry Paez in ‘advanced’ talks with Champions League club

Chelsea wonderkid Kendry Paez in ‘advanced’ talks with Champions League club

June 20, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Sports

Kendry Paez is in advanced talks to join Belgian club KV Mechelen on loan, according to Transfermarkt via Expreso. The Chelsea-owned Ecuadorian midfielder is seeking a fresh start after struggling to find consistency during loan spells at RC Strasbourg and River Plate.

Why is Kendry Paez joining KV Mechelen?

Chelsea is working to find an appropriate home for the 19-year-old midfielder following his departure from River Plate. KV Mechelen has emerged as the frontrunner to secure Paez on loan as the player attempts to revive his development.

Why is Kendry Paez joining KV Mechelen?

The Belgian side comes off a strong 2025/26 Belgian Pro League campaign. According to the source, KV Mechelen finished 5th with 45 points from 30 matches, a result that qualified them for the Champions’ play-offs.

Did You Know? Despite his club struggles, Kendry Paez remains part of the Ecuador national team squad for the 2026 World Cup, where he plays alongside Moises Caicedo.

What happened during Paez’s previous loan spells?

Paez failed to establish himself at two different loan clubs last season. His time at RC Strasbourg began with a promising start, but his performance declined and his attitude was subsequently called into question.

A similar pattern occurred during the second half of the season at River Plate. Reports indicate Paez lacked consistency and frequently occupied a spot on the substitutes’ bench.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the recurring reports of behavioral issues across multiple clubs create a precarious situation for Paez. While his talent is evident, the contrast between his trajectory and that of peers like Estevao Willian suggests that technical ability alone may not suffice to maintain a place in Chelsea’s long-term plans.

How does his behavior affect his future at Chelsea?

Reports from his time at River Plate suggest the club was dissatisfied with Paez’s on-field and off-field behavior. This pattern of attitude concerns has followed the midfielder from club to club.

Kendry Paez Is The Clearest Warning Chelsea Have Had About Their Transfer Model

Because of these issues, Paez risks being let go by Chelsea. While other young players such as Estevao Willian have successfully embraced their move to the English club, reports suggest Paez may believe he is superior to his loan assignments.

What may happen next?

If the advanced talks conclude successfully, Paez could move to Belgium to attempt a career reset. A successful stint at KV Mechelen may allow him to prove his professionalism and consistency.

What may happen next?

However, if behavioral issues persist or if he fails to integrate into the Belgian side, he is likely to face further scrutiny regarding his future ownership by Chelsea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which club is Kendry Paez likely to join next?
According to Transfermarkt via Expreso, KV Mechelen is the frontrunner to sign the midfielder on loan.

Why did Kendry Paez struggle at River Plate?
Reports indicate he failed to maintain consistency, spent time on the bench, and did not meet expectations due to his on-field and off-field behavior.

What is Kendry Paez’s current international status?
He is currently with the Ecuador national team for the 2026 World Cup.

Do you think a move to the Belgian Pro League is the right step for Kendry Paez to save his career at Chelsea?