Chelsea get glimpse of future as Caicedo stars alongside record-breaking wonderkid
Suraj Radia
- 13 Oct 2023 10:27 BST
- 4 min read
Chelsea may have come under scrutiny for their transfer business in the Todd Boehly era but the Blues’ best signing yet could be a player that doesn’t arrive for another two years.
Ecuadorian wonderkid Kendry Paez netted his first goal for his country this week, becoming the youngest player to score in a FIFA World Cup qualifier at just 16 years and 161 days when he opened the scoring against Bolivia.
The midfielder had already made history earlier this year, becoming Ecuador’s youngest ever player and overtaking Pele to become the second-youngest South American international of all time, behind Diego Maradona.
PROFILE: Who is Kendry Paez? Everything you need to know about the incoming Chelsea wonderkid
Having already set his name alongside footballing legends, it is no wonder that Chelsea moved quickly to seal Paez’s signature this summer, agreeing to pay Ecuadorian outfit Independiente de Valle around £17 million to bring the teenager to London when he turns 18 in 2025.
Such a vast amount of money is practically unheard of for a player who was only 15 at the time he struck terms with Chelsea yet Paez’s incredible rise to stardom may indicate that the Stamford Bridge side have pulled off a bargain by beating their rivals to the punch.
The likes of Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen were also credited with an interest but Paez will join Chelsea having already established himself as a regular for his club and now his country too.
Caicedo and Paez provide Chelsea with rare beacon of hope
Chelsea also had more to be encouraged by during Ecuador’s victory, with record signing Moises Caicedo assisting both Paez’s goal as well as a 96th minute winner for Kevin Rodriguez.
Caicedo has endured a difficult start since becoming the most expensive signing in British history when he signed from Brighton for £115m in August but the 21-year-old was at his best for Ecuador as they made it two wins from their opening three games of qualification.
EXCLUSIVE: Caicedo agent reveals motives behind Chelsea transfer
Just like Paez, Caicedo came through the academy at Independiente and the duo’s link-up for Ecuador will undoubtedly give Chelsea visions of things to come in the future.
🎯 Moises Caicedo with two assists.
⚽ Kendry Paez with one goal.
Kendry Paez also became the youngest goalscorer in CONMEBOL qualifying history at 16 years and 161 days old.
Generational talents 💫💙 pic.twitter.com/BSHeyHFDhb— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) October 13, 2023
For now, Paez’s arrival in 2025 may seem like an eternity away and few can predict just what position Chelsea will be in when the time does come.
But the future does look bright for Chelsea despite their disappointment on the pitch over the last year and securing a potential generational talent in Paez will undoubtedly provide excitement for Mauricio Pochettino and supporters.
