Chelsea have completed a transfer deal for highly-rated wonderkid Kendry Paez from Independiente del Valle, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter.

The young Ecuadorian has completed a medical and has signed a long-term contract with the Blues – however, he will not join the team at Stamford Bridge until June 2025.

The fee paid to secure Paez’s signature is believed to be in the region of £17 million – most of this will be paid through add-ons and clauses, rather than in a lump sum.

Who else, besides Chelsea, was interested in Kendry Paez?

Chelsea were not the only ones who were keen to sign Paez up – in December of 2022, Manchester United reportedly submitted a bid for the player, but their approach was rejected by Independiente del Valle.

Additionally, Borussia Dortmund were also thought to be interested in the 16-year-old, but it is unclear if the German giants officially submitted a bid or not.

Who is Kendry Paez?

Born in 2007, Paez is one of the leading under-18 talents in world football at the moment. Despite being aged just 16, he has already caught the eye of several top clubs – including, of course, Chelsea.

A technically-gifted midfield player, Paez can play in both central midfield and on the right wing – however, he is at his best when deployed as an attacking midfielder. In this position, he can drive through the middle of the park and take on opponents as he wishes using his quick feet.

So far this season, Paez has made five appearances for Independiente del Valle, scoring a solitary goal. He made his first-team debut for the club back in February in a match against Mushuc Runa, in which he also registered a goal.

He has played for Ecuador’s under-17 and under-20 teams, but he has yet to win a senior cap for La Tri.