Celtic Eyes January Loan Move for Chelsea’s Kendry Paez Amid Squad Gaps
Celtic currently holds the top position in the Scottish Premiership, having gathered 31 points from 13 games, consisting of 10 wins, one draw, and two losses. Following a successful domestic double last season under Martin O’Neill, the club aims to maintain its home dominance while striving for further achievements in European competition.
The squad’s attacking midfield and wide areas appear to be stable. Benjamin Nygren, whose contract extends until June 2029, has netted six goals and provided three assists this season. Additionally, Mika Baur, a promising German player signed until 2030, continues to thrive within O’Neill’s pressing system. On the other hand, James Forrest, who is contracted until 2027, serves as rotational support without a guaranteed starting position. Meanwhile, Paulo Bernardo is currently on loan, and the club did not secure any high-profile permanent signings in the playmaker role last summer, opting instead to focus on internal development.
This strategy has proven beneficial for the Hoops, but it has left a noticeable gap in creativity. Nygren shoulders much of the creative burden, while Baur and Forrest contribute energy and experience, lacking a specialist capable of turning a game with dribbling skills or executing set pieces. Facing deep defensive blocks requires an unpredictable creative player, and a team aiming for trophies in league play, Europe, and knockout rounds necessitates more creative options than currently available. Thoughts about recruitment for January are already taking shape.
According to reports from Fraser Fletcher, Celtic is keen on securing a January loan for Chelsea’s 19-year-old Ecuadorian attacking midfielder, Kendry Paez. The club became aware of his availability late in the summer transfer window. Chelsea is eager for a winter move, but both Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City are also keeping an eye on the talented midfielder. Chelsea will only approve a loan that guarantees Paez regular first-team opportunities.
Paez is known for his remarkable vision, adept dribbling in tight situations, and accurate delivery during set pieces. His recent loan at River Plate concluded with one goal and one assist across 14 appearances in the AFA Liga Profesional and Copa Sudamericana, primarily from the bench, before Chelsea decided to terminate the agreement owing to limited minutes.
A discussion is underway regarding whether Celtic should pursue a six-month loan for Paez without an option to buy.
Some argue against this move, suggesting a straight loan presents risks with minimal return. Chelsea’s requirement for guaranteed playing time may create tactical challenges, as O’Neill cannot adjust his squad chemistry to accommodate a player who may depart after a short period, while Nygren and Baur are currently performing well. Following spells at Strasbourg and River Plate, Celtic may find themselves funding yet another trial.
O’Neill demands physical intensity and high work rates from his creative players, yet Paez lacks adequate senior experience and is still acclimating to faster, more physical leagues. His defensive discipline and spatial awareness do not align with what is typically expected in midfield, and introducing an unrefined teenager could disrupt the dynamics of a team focused on results.
Consequently, a Chelsea player may offer little in terms of financial or sporting gain, and any struggles by Paez could provoke pressure from his parent club. While his talent is certainly appealing, Celtic is encouraged to prioritize stability and rely on internal talent that builds long-term value instead of acting as a stopgap for another club’s significant asset.
