Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterThe Blues, known for their ever-growing list of signings and loanings, have failed to carve a selection of world-class talent into their line-up in recent years.Chelsea, for all of their expenditure, placed 10th in the 2025/26 Premier League table, behind the likes of Brentford, Brighton, Sunderland and Bournemouth.One high-profile youngster currently on loan, once described as the Blues lottery ticket, could now add to their extensive list of transfer failures ahead of a difficult summer decision. You may like 'Difficult to refuse' Chelsea star joins team-mate in casting doubt over Stamford Bridge future Chelsea set eye-watering price tag for wantaway star: report 'The Boy's A Bit Special' Why Chelsea's answer to Bukayo Saka is arriving at Stamford Bridge this summer Kendry Paez is the subject of a worrying Chelsea evaluationGet a Surfshark VPN in time for the World Cup HERE!Pick up an extra three months of service and up to a $30/�30 Amazon Gift Card when purchasing a two-year subscription plan.View DealChelseas so-called lottery ticket, otherwise known as Kendry Paez, wont be raking in millions any time soon after a disappointing loan spell at River Plate.The Ecuadorean, previously on loan at RC Strasbourg, has failed to make his mark in Argentina, starting in just three games since his loan period commenced in January.According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are now expected to recall him after the World Cup, with Argentine media believing he has played his final game for River Plate.Whether the Blues have the option to recall Paez, merely halfway through his designated loan period, is yet to be revealed, however, it is unlikely either party will object.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.The 19-year-olds chance at redemption, however, arrived today in the form of a World Cup 2026 squad call-up for Ecuador, with the decision made by Sebastian Beccacece.Paez was dropped entirely from River Plates squad in their recent Apertura playoff fixtures, meaning that the teenager will enter the North American tournament with little game time under his belt.The 19-year-old has played less than 500 total minutes for his loan side, with just 11 substitute appearances to complement his three starts.Paez previously struggled in Ligue 1 during the youngsters last campaign, making just 15 appearances between July 2025 and his January move to River Plate.Despite his age, struggling to make an impact or name for himself in two leagues of inferior quality does not bode well for a potential Premier League-level career.Chelsea, now under the watch of new manager Xabi Alonso, will make a decision regarding Paezs future after the World Cup, with the problem of the 19-year-olds development and future pathway appearing more and more complex to solve.TOPICSChelseaEcuadorKedar BayleySocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterKedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC,he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television,you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.
