Millwall Chase Signature of Hot Chelsea Prospect

Millwall Set to Sign European Young Gun on Loan From Chelsea

With their sights set on promotion after a strong first half of the season, Millwall were hit with a mass amount of injuries in the middle of the park and have been forced to dip into the market in search of a boost.

Although the return of Mazou-Sacko has given the side a much-needed lift, manager Alex Niel still wants to strengthen and give the Lions the chance to really push on and challenge for promotion.

#URGENTE 🚨 Kendry Páez estaría cerca de fichar cedido al @MillwallFC de Inglaterra 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, club actual @RCSA de Francia 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/rJyQ9labjG

— Mercado Futbol EC (@MercadoFutbolEC) January 18, 2026

Their search has led them over to France, where they are looking at Chelsea loanee Kendry Paez, who has struggled for gametime over in Strasbourg.

How will Paez fit in Bermondsey?

The Ecuadorian predominantly plays in the number 10, looking to pick up the ball and drive his team forward in the final third. Some may say this is what Millwall have missed in the last few seasons, since the departure of Zian Flemming. With Millwall sitting in the playoffs, can Paez be that deciding factor that they need at the back end of the season?

You may look at the move as a step down, coming from Europa Conference League football down to the Den. But this move is far from that. At 18 years old, Paez has already made a name for himself, signing for Chelsea in the summer, hinting at a big future.

After struggling for gametime over in France, playing just 21 times, starting 7. This could be a crucial move in his young career. Playing in one of the most physically demanding leagues in the world, with a team chasing promotion, could be exactly what he needs to push on in an upward trajectory.

Paez started his career back in Ecuador, playing over 60 games for Independiente del Valle, all before the age of 18. He was a name on the tip of everyone’s tongue and could now find himself fighting for promotion to the best league in the world.

This move would be a real statement of intent from Millwall, in a window that looks to be their biggest in several years. The Lions are also looking for reinforcements in between the sticks and could bring in a very talented Anthony Patterson from Sunderland.

Kendry Páez offers Millwall something different: genuine goal threat from midfield, sharp shots on target, progressive passing and the ability to find runners between the lines. More of a 10/advanced 8, he brings craft and end product, his line-breaking passing is what stands out pic.twitter.com/IYH3jUsszQ

— Greatest (@Greatest1343329) January 19, 2026

Are Millwall making the right move?

Everyone knows Millwall for their direct style of play, with the likes of Femi Azeez getting in behind. Paez could offer some different that’s very hard to find in the Championship, a player that can operate in the pockets and find that decisive pass in the final third. He will add some much-needed threat from the middle with his sharp shooting and eye for goal.

Now, he may not slot straight into the side on arrival, but Millwall fans can be very excited if this goes ahead, with no doubts that he could really achieve something special with them this season.