Chelsea recalls Kendry Paez from loan at River Plate after limited playing time

Chelsea has canceled Kendry Paez’s loan at River Plate, bringing the young Ecuadorian midfielder back to Stamford Bridge after a stint in Argentina that never really got off the ground.

Paez, still just 18 years old, managed only three starts and 11 substitute appearances at River Plate, totaling fewer than 500 minutes of action.

A loan that never found its rhythm

Paez joined Chelsea in May 2025 from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle for €20 million. He was immediately sent on loan to RC Strasbourg, Chelsea’s sister club in France’s Ligue 1, where he racked up 21 appearances across all competitions. In late January 2026, Chelsea recalled Paez from Strasbourg and redirected him to River Plate in Argentina. The loan was supposed to run through the end of the year.

Fewer than 500 minutes across 14 total appearances at River Plate prompted Chelsea to exercise what reports describe as a recall clause tied to his minutes on the field.

What went wrong in Buenos Aires

There have been whispers on social media about disciplinary issues, though nothing verified or concrete enough to treat as fact.

Paez became the youngest player to score in Ecuador’s top division during his time at Independiente del Valle, and his performances in youth tournaments caught Chelsea’s eye early enough that they agreed to a deal when he was still a minor.

What this means for Paez and Chelsea’s loan army

The €20 million Chelsea invested in Paez was always a bet on potential rather than present output. Two loan spells across France and Argentina within approximately six months represent significant upheaval for an 18-year-old adjusting to professional football.

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