Superb 18-year-old Chelsea loanee voted Young Player of the Month in his league

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The loan system has been very kind to Chelsea over the years, and one current Blues-owned player in particular appears to be thriving this season.

If you look at the Chelsea squad right now, Andrey Santos is a perfect example of a successful loan. The 21-year-old Brazilian midfielder is now part of Enzo Maresca’s plans after huge development on loan with sister club Strasbourg in France.

Marc Guiu’s loan at Sunderland was over before it really started because he was loaned out and then recalled by Chelsea in the same month. Thankfully, there are some better examples to look at in the 2025-26 season.

• READ MORE: Chelsea believe they have a loan player who will be at the ‘top of the game’ in three years’ time

Kendy Paez wins Young Player of the Month

Chelsea loanee Kendry Paez, 18, is beginning to grow in stature during his season-long loan in French football with Strasbourg.

It has now been confirmed that the versatile attacker has been named Ligue 1’s Young Player of the Month for September.

Paez, who’s been described as “remarkable” by Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior, has already operated as a No.9, a winger and a No.10 this season. Chelsea should certainly be pleased that their Ecuador international is playing regularly and contributing.

In September, Paez featured in all three of Strasbourg’s league matches, winning two and losing one.

Even though the Strasbourg star’s only direct goal contribution was a goal against Paris FC, he was still voted for Ligue 1’s individual award last month.

The natural route for Kendry Paez into Chelsea’s squad next season

As long as Paez improves and shines for Strasbourg during the 2025/26 campaign, we definitely see a progression into Chelsea’s first-team plans next season.

Of course, Cole Palmer is the talisman for the Blues in the No.10 role. On-loan Chelsea playmaker Facundo Buonanotte has a spot in the squad as a cover option, though.

Paez has already massively improved during his opening months in Strasbourg colours, so perhaps he could be the natural replacement for Buonanotte in 2026.