Xabi Alonso drops update on Kendry Paez's future

WHAT HAPPENED
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that 19-year-old midfielder Kendry Paez is not currently part of his first-team plans. Alonso rejected suggestions that Paez would play for the senior side in the near future.

Paez was recalled to Chelsea before the transfer deadline after an unsuccessful loan spell at River Plate earlier this year.

KEY CONTEXT
Paez was once regarded as one of South America’s top prospects but, according to the report, has not developed as expected in recent seasons. Chelsea brought him back ahead of the transfer window’s close on September 1, 2026. The club is reported to be considering another loan for him around the turn of the year and believes it has time to find a suitable destination.

The same report notes that another player, Estevao, has become a regular and may start Chelsea’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Leeds United tonight.

WHY IT MATTERS
Alonso’s statement confirms Paez will not factor into Chelsea’s immediate selection plans, which shapes the club’s short-term squad management and the youngster’s pathway. If Chelsea pursue another loan, Paez will be seeking regular minutes elsewhere to regain the momentum that prompted his early acclaim. Concurrently, players already established in the squad (such as Estevao) appear to be ahead of him in competition for match minutes.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Chelsea formally arrange a loan for Paez at the turn of the year, and which club would take him. (This is reported as the most likely outcome but not yet confirmed.)
- Any reversal of Alonso’s decision if circumstances change at the club.
- Lineup news for Chelsea’s Carabao Cup third-round match versus Leeds United to see if Estevao starts.

KEY FACTS
- Xabi Alonso stated Kendry Paez is not currently part of Chelsea’s first-team squad.
- Paez is 19 and was once touted as a major South American talent.
- He had a difficult loan at River Plate earlier in 2026 and was recalled before the transfer deadline.
- Chelsea reportedly expect Paez to be loaned out around the turn of the year and say they have time to identify the best club.
- Estevao has become a regular and could start in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Leeds United.