Chelsea and Kendry Paez are allegedly eager to facilitate "an adaption period" ahead of his summer transfer to Stamford Bridge.
In June 2023, it was announced that the Premier League giants had agreed to sign the starlet from Independiente del Valle when he turns 18 years of age.
FIFA regulations dictated that such a transfer could not materialise until then, but Paez will be able to complete a switch for a fee in the region of £17m in July.
Despite his age, Paez is already a star for his club and country. As many as 13 goals and six goals have been contributed from 70 appearances for Independiente del Valle.
Meanwhile, the playmaker has two goals and three assists from 17 outings for Ecuador, four of his caps being earned at last summer's Copa America.
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What have Chelsea, Paez requested?
With the Ecuadorian Serie A taking place between February and December, it has been plausible to expect Paez to represent Independiente del Valle until the end of June.
However, according to sporting director Luis Saritama, the teenager may instead spend time in England to acclimatise to life in the country prior to formally completing his move.
Speaking to FB Radio, as quoted by Futbol Ecuador, Saritama said: "Last week we talked to Kendry Páez, there are two possibilities.
"There is a request from Chelsea for the player to have an adaptation period in Europe. We are analysing it with its representation agency and the club that owns its rights.
"On the 17th or 20th of this month, Kendry will make his first trip to Europe, what predominates here is the decision of club and player, the intention of both is to have a period of adaptation already before he turns 18.
"I would not rule out that Kendry is not playing these months with us"
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Short-term pain for long-term gain?
Contractually, it appears from the outside that Independiente del Valle are under no obligation to lose Paez's services for another four-and-a-half months.
That said, there will be an understanding of the magnitude of the deal that has been conducted with Chelsea. Receiving £17m for a player of Paez's age is monumental for an Ecuadorian club.
There may be a desire to retain a strong working relationship with a team like Chelsea who are no strangers to signing young South American talent.
Albeit in no way associated with the Paez deal, Chelsea star Moises Caicedo was also with Independiente del Valle prior to his transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion in 2021.
Darren Plant
