da fazobetai： Chelsea-bound wonderkid Kendry Paez has made history by scoring for Ecuador in a 2026 World Cup qualification clash with Bolivia.

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Youngster starring for his countryRecord books rewrittenWill head to England when turning 18WHAT HAPPENED?

The talented teenager has become the youngest player to find the target in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier, having hit the back of the net aged 16 years and 161 days. His record-setting effort for Ecuador was assisted by Moises Caicedo – who may one day end up being a club colleague at Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea have an agreement in place that will see them buy into Paez’s obvious potential. They revealed back in June that a deal had been thrashed out that includes a £17 million ($21m) transfer fee. Those funds will be paid to Independiente del Valle.

DID YOU KNOW?

Paez is not about to head for Stamford Bridge any time soon, though, as he will only complete a switch a England after celebrating his 18th birthday. That mark will not be reached until May 4, 2025 – meaning that Chelsea have a little under two years to wait before welcoming the hottest of prospects to west London.

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Paez will hope to have more domestic and international experience under his belt by then, with the youngster capable of playing in central midfield and on the wing. He made his senior debut for Independiente at the age of 15 and is the youngest debutant and goalscorer in the Ecuadorian top-flight.