Chelsea youngster Kendry Paez is reportedly ready to leave the club during the upcoming winter transfer window.

The 18-year-old joined Chelsea from Independiente del Valle for €10 million in 2025, but he is still yet to make his first-team debut for the Blues and his career development has completely stalled since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

Paez endured a torrid loan spell at Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg during the first half of last season, racking up just 21 appearances across all competitions before he was recalled in January. The Ecuador international was then sent to River Plate on a temporary deal, however he fared similarly poorly and his loan spell was cancelled by the Argentine giants in August.

Since his return to Stamford Bridge, Paez has been placed in Chelsea’s U21 squad and there is little chance of him breaking into Xabi Alonso’s senior team, as confirmed by the Blues manager himself.

Speaking in September, Alonso told reporters: “At the moment, he's not part of the first-team squad. And when asked if that could change later in the season, the Spanish brutally replied: “No, no, he's not part of the plans.”

Now, Paez wants to leave Chelsea in January, according to transfer reporter Nicolo Schira.

Who could Kendry Paez join in January?

Paez was tipped for huge things after lighting up the Ecuadorian top flight at Independiente del Valle, but his attitude and professionalism have been widely questioned since his move to Chelsea, and he was heavily criticised by sections of the French media during his loan spell at Strasbourg.

So, his next move could prove pivotal in deciding the direction his career heads in.

Data analytics experts SciSports believe that La Liga side Getafe would be Paez’s best next step, while Newcastle United rank second with a ‘Club Fit Score’ of 80.

In addition, the likes of Bologna, Porto and Lazio are also regarded as strong destinations, and it therefore seems as though leaving England could potentially be the best course of action for the Ecuador youngster.

However, it remains to be seen if Chelsea are willing to sanction a permanent sale in January, or whether they would prefer another loan deal.

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