Chelsea are expected to recall Kendry Paez from his loan at River Plate following a deeply underwhelming spell in Argentina, according to transfer expert Ben Jacobs. Argentine media believe the 19-year-old has already played his last game for the Buenos Aires club.

Paez, a midfielder signed from Independiente del Valle and once labelled Chelsea's 'lottery ticket', has managed only three starts and 11 substitute appearances since his loan commenced in January — fewer than 500 minutes of football in total. The Ecuadorean was dropped entirely from River Plate's squad for the club's recent Apertura playoff fixtures, underlining how marginal his position had become.

Struggles following a difficult stint in Ligue 1

This is not the first loan spell to raise questions about Paez's development. Prior to his move to South America, the teenager made just 15 appearances for RC Strasbourg in Ligue 1 between July 2025 and January 2026, failing to establish himself in France either.

Back-to-back disappointing loan campaigns in two leagues considered below Premier League standard have prompted concern about his ability to reach the level Chelsea envisaged when they signed him.

World Cup reprieve and what comes next

A potential lifeline arrived when Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece named Paez in his squad for FIFA World Cup 2026, to be held in North America. The call-up offers the teenager a high-profile stage, even if he heads into the tournament having seen little game time in recent months.

Chelsea, now managed by Xabi Alonso, are set to assess Paez's future once the World Cup concludes. The club finished 10th in the 2025/26 Premier League — behind Brentford, Brighton, Sunderland, and Bournemouth — making the efficient use of every squad asset an urgent priority. Whether Paez can still forge a pathway at Stamford Bridge, or whether another loan or a permanent exit awaits, remains to be seen.