Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Paez is not part of his first-team plans for the 2026/27 season.
The 19-year-old returned to Chelsea after his loan spell with Argentine club River Plate was ended early. However, his return to Stamford Bridge has not resulted in a place in Alonso’s squad.
Speaking about the player, Alonso made the club’s position clear.
“At the moment he is not part of the first-team squad and I can confirm he’s not in our plans,” the Spanish coach said.
Paez joined Chelsea from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle after the English club agreed a deal for him while he was still a teenager.
He officially moved to London after turning 18 in May 2025. Chelsea then sent him on loan to Strasbourg in France before he moved to River Plate.
His spell at River Plate also failed to provide the expected breakthrough. Paez made 15 appearances for the Argentine club and scored once before his loan was cut short.
Following his return, Chelsea reportedly tried to find another club where the young midfielder could continue his development.
However, no suitable move was completed before the transfer window closed.
As a result, Paez remains a Chelsea player but is expected to train and play with the club’s Under-21 side rather than the senior team. Reports indicate that he could remain with the youth setup until the January transfer window.
