Ipswich Town are being linked with a surprise January loan move for Chelsea starlet Kendry Páez, in what could be a deal that suits all parties involved. According to South American outlet Bolavip, the Blues are exploring the possibility of bringing the highly rated teenager to Portman Road if Chelsea recall him from his current spell in France.
Páez is presently on loan at Strasbourg, a Ligue 1 side also owned by BlueCo, Chelsea’s parent company. Now managed by Gary O’Neil, Strasbourg have used the Ecuador international sparingly, handing him just four starts across 14 appearances so far this season.
Chelsea Recall Could Open Door for Ipswich Move
Chelsea are reportedly considering ending Páez’s stint in Ligue 1, and Ipswich Town have emerged as a potential destination. The move would also help Chelsea navigate FIFA’s international loan restrictions, which limit clubs to six overseas loans at any one time. Strasbourg have already filled that quota, meaning a recall followed by a domestic Championship loan would free up a valuable slot.
The 18-year-old joined Chelsea from Independiente del Valle last summer and was immediately sent out on loan. He has scored once in France so far, netting in a 3–2 away win over Paris FC in September.
Who Is Kendry Páez?
A left-footed No.10, Páez is capable of playing centrally, out wide, or further forward. Despite his age, he already boasts 23 senior caps for Ecuador and is expected to be part of their plans for the 2026 World Cup.
Chelsea view Páez as one of the brightest young talents in world football and are keen to place him in an environment that accelerates his development.
Why Ipswich Town Make Sense
Ipswich have a recent track record of loaning young South American attackers during the January window, having done so with Jeremy Sarmiento and Julio Enciso in the past two seasons. With Conor Chaplin set to remain at Portsmouth, Town could be in the market for another attacking midfielder.
From Ipswich’s perspective, Páez “ticks a lot of boxes”: young, versatile, technically gifted, and capable of making an immediate impact. Crucially, Kieran McKenna’s work with Omari Hutchinson in the Championship will not have gone unnoticed at Stamford Bridge.
Is the Championship the Right Move?
While a permanent deal appears unlikely, a loan move could be feasible, particularly if Ipswich secure promotion and offer a clearer long-term pathway. Championship football would provide Páez with regular minutes and physical development—elements he may not currently be getting in Ligue 1.
However, whether the move makes sense for Páez himself remains up for debate. Chelsea will be cautious in selecting the right step, balancing playing time, competition level, and long-term potential.
Still, with Chelsea needing to rebalance their international loan slots, and Ipswich keen to bolster their attacking options, this is a transfer link worth watching closely as the January window unfolds.
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