Liverpool fans, brace yourselves – the Reds are on the verge of a major defensive boost this January transfer window. Club Brugge’s rising star centre-back, Joel Ordonez, has given the green light for a move, and both the player and his club are open to sealing a deal mid-season.
Fresh contacts between Ordonez’s camp and Liverpool in recent weeks have accelerated talks, positioning the Ecuadorian defender as a prime target to shore up Arne Slot’s backline.
The 21-year-old Ordonez, a product of Ecuador’s renowned Independiente del Valle academy – the same breeding ground that produced Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo – has been on Liverpool’s radar for the past 12 months. Sources indicate that the Reds have been huge admirers of his composed defending, aerial prowess, and ability to play out from the back, qualities that could make him a long-term partner for Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool’s need for defensive reinforcements has become urgent amid Ibrahima Konate’s inconsistent form this season. While Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace was considered, it’s understood he won’t be available in January, paving the way for Ordonez to step in as the ideal alternative. TEAMtalk sources confirm that Brugge are willing to negotiate a winter exit, with Ordonez himself eager to test himself in the Premier League, where England emerges as his most likely destination.
But Liverpool aren’t alone in the chase. Chelsea have been tracking Ordonez since before his 2023 move to Europe, and recent reports suggest they’ve rekindled their interest at the urging of Caicedo, who shares a close friendship with Ordonez from their academy days and international duties with Ecuador. The Blues’ hierarchy has even sought Caicedo’s input on the defender, adding a personal touch to their pursuit.
Adding to the intrigue, Manchester City and Tottenham have also scouted Ordonez closely in recent weeks, while earlier links to Marseille and Inter Milan have cooled. Despite the competition, Liverpool’s persistent monitoring and fresh communications give them a strong edge. Bolavip reports that Brugge value Ordonez at over €40 million, a fee that could rise post the 2026 World Cup, making a January move strategically appealing for all parties.
Ordonez’s contract with Brugge runs until 2029, but the club’s openness to a sale – combined with the player’s readiness for a new challenge – signals that a transfer is very much on the cards. For Liverpool, securing him would not only address immediate defensive woes but also invest in a talent tipped for stardom, much like Caicedo’s successful transition to the Premier League.
As the January window approaches, all eyes are on Anfield. Could Ordonez be the key to turning around Liverpool’s campaign? With club and player both giving the thumbs up, it seems the Reds are poised to welcome their new defensive dynamo.
