Prior to their arrivals in Chelsea, Kendry Paez and Pape Daouda Diong were pictured together.
Diong might be signed in June, but Paez won’t play at Stamford Bridge until he reaches 18 in 2025. Both have not yet formally signed a contract in London because FIFA laws state that players cannot sign for a new club until they are eighteen years old.
Senegalese midfielder Diong, a mainstay for his nation’s under-17 squad, is expected to join with another team. In his own country, Paez is a young midfield player from Ecuador who now plays for Independiente del Valle.
“The Ecuadorian, who will join Chelsea after his 18th birthday, has already built a reputation in South America as one of the brightest and most creative young talents around,” Chelsea declared in June of last year, confirming Paez’s planned arrival. Thanks to his ability to open up defenders with his passing while combining deft dribbling with vision and technique.
“Paez caught the eye by finding the net on his senior debut for his club this year, becoming the youngest debutant and scorer in the Ecuadorian top flight.” Few members of the current Chelsea first team are older than 25, reflecting the youthful approach to transfers adopted by Todd Boehly and his recruitment team. The remainder of this year is expected to see that trend continue, and beyond.
On Sunday, Paez and Diong were photographed together, with the latter sharing the photo on Instagram. Both of them are expected to have successful careers, and Diong may join the senior team as early as this summer.
