Strasbourg's hierarchy are already considering the departure of a summer signing whose playing time and performances have been insufficient since the start of the 2025-26 season.
Seventh in Ligue 1 at the winter break, Strasbourg have experienced a mixed first half of the season. Despite a busy summer transfer window, Liam Rosenior's RCSA have failed to secure a single victory in the last four matchdays.
At a standstill for a few weeks but obviously still in the race for European qualification, Liam Rosenior's players have nevertheless lived up to their status in the Conference League with five wins and one draw in six matches, securing a place in the last 16 without going through the play-offs.
Kendry Paez, seven starts with Strasbourg
Some individuals have failed to impress. Effective when on the pitch but criticised for his public statements, Emanuel Emegha already knows he will no longer be a Strasbourg player in the coming months, with his move to Chelsea already confirmed. Now, another Blues player is raising questions: Kendry Paez.
Loaned without an option to buy by the Blues in summer 2025, the Ecuadorian attacking midfielder has not been warming the bench. Used on 19 occasions across all competitions for a total of 707 minutes played, the Guayaquil native has made seven starts since the beginning of the 2025-26 season.
However, Kendry Paez has not shone since his arrival in Strasbourg. Featuring in the starting eleven on just four occasions in the league, the Strasbourg number 16 has found the net only once, during the away victory against Paris FC (3-2, matchday 5) on 21st September. A very disappointing return that has prompted RCSA to reflect on his short-term future. Beyond his underwhelming performances, the 18-year-old's lifestyle has also raised eyebrows at the Meinau.
Signed for €10m (£8.8m) by Chelsea in summer 2025
According to L'Equipe, Strasbourg are considering Kendry Paez's departure before the end of this season, in other words as early as January 2026. A possible return to sender for a player who has a long-term contract with Chelsea (2033). Back at Stamford Bridge, the Ecuador international signed for €10m (£8.8m) in the off-season would not benefit in terms of playing time, and the London club would then do everything to quickly find him a new destination.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
