Chelsea pay protection for Moises Caicedo and wonderkid Kendry Paez

In a remarkable move, Chelsea FC is taking significant steps to ensure the safety of their prized assets, Moises Caicedo and wonderkid Kendry Paez, amid the civil unrest in Ecuador, reported by GOAL. The Premier League giants are said to be investing a substantial sum, around £100 million, to provide round-the-clock security for the families of both players in the South American nation.

The decision comes as Ecuador grapples with serious civil unrest, marked by a series of attacks orchestrated by criminal organizations. Chelsea, recognizing the potential threats faced by Paez and Caicedo’s families, has opted to hire personal security to safeguard their well-being, according to reports from The Telegraph.

Kendry Paez, the 16-year-old wonderkid, and his family are currently in South America, facing the challenges of the turbulent situation. The need for heightened security became more apparent with incidents like gunmen storming a television station live on air, raising concerns about the safety of Paez and his family. Chelsea, demonstrating their commitment to the well-being of their players, is in regular contact with the families and has pledged to provide support until normalcy is restored in the region.

Paez, who made history as the youngest-ever South American to score in a World Cup qualifier at just 16 years and 161 days, boasts an impressive list of achievements. These include being the youngest appearance-maker and goalscorer in Liga Pro, leading Ecuador to the final of the South American Under-17 Championship, and holding the record for the youngest scorer at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

While Paez continues to showcase his talents at Independiente until he turns 18 in May 2025, Moises Caicedo is gearing up for action in west London. Caicedo is set to face Middlesbrough in the second leg of the EFL Cup semifinal next Wednesday, aiming to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg. Chelsea remains committed to supporting their players on and off the field, navigating the unique challenges posed by the current situation in Ecuador.