Manchester United are believed to be interested in snapping up one of the hottest young talents in world football at present, amid reports linking the Red Devils to Independiente del Valle teenager, Kendry Paez.
What’s the latest on Kendry Paez to Man United?
According to respected journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Old Trafford outfit are said to be one of the clubs who are interested in signing the 15-year-old sensation in the near future, albeit with Premier League rivals Chelsea – and Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen – also said to be in the mix for his signature.
Writing on Twitter about that battle for the emerging superstar, the transfer guru revealed:
“Chelsea are in the race with Man Utd and Bayer Leverkusen to sign Kendry Paez, 2007-born Ecuadorian talent. Independiente del Valle’s midfielder, Kendry Paez is highly rated — decision to be made soon. “
This follows reports from back in December that claimed United had made an offer for the promising midfielder, while the Blues are also said to have had a bid of around $18m (£15m) knocked back by the player’s current side.
Is Paez a ‘world-class’ talent in the making?
It is undoubtedly remarkable that there is such a clamour over a player who is yet to enjoy a taste of first-team football, although Paez has seemingly warranted such interest as a result of his displays at youth level for both club and country.
The left-footed playmaker already boasts three goals in only five outings for Ecuador at U17 level, having also been lauded as “ridiculous” by R.D Football Scout after producing a glorious touch and assist in the U16 Flamengo Cup at the tail-end of last year.
While it is still early to judge the highly-coveted dynamo due to his lack of senior involvement, the youngster has been described as an “absolute world-class talent” by scout Jacek Kulig, with that an indication of what Erik ten Hag and co could have on their hands if a deal is to be agreed upon.
The fleet-footed starlet is said to be widely recognised as “one of the most talented players of his generation in South America” and potentially the “future of Ecuadorian football” – in the words of Kulig – with it now a tantalising wait to see him in action in the coming months and years.
Even though United would be forced to wait until the player turns 18 to bring him to England, that patience could well prove worth it to sign such a “magnificent” prospect – also according to Kulig – with the midfield maestro having also earned notable comparisons to the likes of James Rodriguez and Angel Di Maria in the recent past.
Having previously fumbled the chance to land Paez’s compatriot Moises Caicedo from Independiente back in January 2021 – with the latter man ultimately joining Brighton and Hove Albion for a fee of just £4.5m – the Red Devils must not make the same mistake this time around.
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