Premier League clubs interested in Ecuador starlet Kendry Paez

Ecuadorian teenager Kendry Paez is emerging as one of the most in-demand talents in South America, but his club Independiente del Valle are not looking to sell their prized asset, 90min understands.

The 15-year-old midfielder was the star of last year’s Next Generation Trophy hosted by Red Bull in Salzburg where Independiente made the final, and his performances at the tournament caught the eye of a number of clubs.

Since then, Independiente have ben inundated with interest. Sources close to the club have confirmed that they have already turned down offers, with one of the clubs understood to have bid being Chelsea.

90min understands that a host of Premier League clubs - up to a dozen - are interested. Along with Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle are believed to have spoken to Paez's representatives to register their interest. We can confirm that Brighton - who are obviously well versed in the Ecuador market - are also keeping tabs on the player's progress.

Paez is very much on the radar of clubs throughout Europe too with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzeig, Inter and Atalanta all watching him in the last six months.

Paez is seen as Ecuador’s next big hope, following in the footsteps of one-time Independiente star Moises Caicedo – currently seen as one of the Premier League best young midfielders.

Caicedo himself was wanted by some of the world’s biggest clubs before opting to join Brighton.

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Now Paez is likely to have a similar decision, although Independiente won’t be accepting the £4.5m they took for Caicedo back in 2021 – indeed it is understood the offers that have come in so far have been for for more than twice that price.

Sources have told 90min that, as it stands, Independiente don’t want to sell this year, and there is actually no real need as due to FIFA rules Paez can’t move to Europe until 2025 when he turns 18. It is the same ruling that prevents Endrick from joining up with Real Madrid until 2024.

However, like with Endrick, clubs are keen to get Paez tied down for the future as soon as possible.