Man Utd targeting teenager Kendry Paez

Manchester United have recently expressed interest in the signing of a precocious teenage talent from Ecuador…

What’s the word?

According to Ecuadorian outlet Ole, 15-year-old midfielder Kendry Paez was the subject of a transfer offer from Man United in the summer, with Sport Witness following up the report by stating it’s unclear whether the side will return with a fresh bid in the future.

Described by the publication as a “jewel”, the Independiente del Valle maestro has already found a home in his side’s senior side, despite his tender age. 

With Paez unable to depart his club for Europe until he is 18-years-old, due to transfer regulations imposed on South American sides – similar to Real Madrid’s recent lucrative deal for Endrick – Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag may continue to assess his development over the next few years before returning with a concrete offer.

Caicedo 2.0

Independiente del Valle are considered to be at ease with the hype surrounding their prodigy, with measures in place to nurture his developing skills over the next few years and leave him in good stead to forge a move towards more prominent pastures.

And with the player yet to make his first-team debut, allowing him a platform to flourish on home soil might be a prudent move indeed, slowly accruing value to his name and finally allowing him to leave on a lucrative deal that would prove fruitful for all parties. 

His club might indeed be seeking to replicate the past move of Moises Caicedo, who rose through the ranks at the club himself, dazzling with his ball-playing ability, physicality and athleticism.

Caicedo, who was signed from the Ecuadorian outfit by Brighton & Hove Albion for £4.5m in 2021, proved to be a profitable deal indeed, and one that the South American side will look to emulate again by meticulously assessing their current ace’s development. 

And Albion’s 21-year-old engine has now been the centre of transfer talk surrounding interest from the likes of Manchester United, with his present club slapping an £85m asking price for his signature. 

Ten Hag must consider his options, and perhaps look to take the shrewder route in signing Paez for a much smaller fee, signing a player that bears similarity to a rising star stemming from the very same youth academy.

And with Caicedo ranking within the top 16% for tackles and 17% for blocks for midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues this past year, as per FBref – also recording an average rating of 7.12 in the Premier League this term – United might do well to take note and sign the latest product of a thriving academy.