Liverpool are on the verge of securing a major defensive reinforcement, with reports confirming that a deal for Club Brugge’s talented centre-back Joel Ordonez is set to be completed in the coming days. The move comes after Chelsea withdrew from the race for the Ecuadorian international, paving the way for the Reds to finalize negotiations. The total package could reach up to £43 million, including add-ons, as Arne Slot looks to address vulnerabilities in his backline amid a challenging season.
According to sources close to the negotiations, the initial fee for the 21-year-old defender will be around £35 million, with performance-based incentives potentially pushing the figure higher. This acquisition aligns with Liverpool’s long-standing pursuit of a new centre-half, especially after their summer attempt to sign Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi fell through at the last minute. Guehi’s proposed £35 million transfer collapsed when Palace manager Oliver Glasner couldn’t secure a suitable replacement in time.
Liverpool’s defensive woes have been compounded by injuries and contract uncertainties. Teenage signing Giovanni Leoni, acquired from Parma for £26 million plus add-ons in the summer, suffered an ACL injury on his debut in September and has been sidelined ever since. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate’s contract expires at the end of the season, allowing him to negotiate with overseas clubs starting from New Year’s Day. These factors have left Virgil van Dijk without a reliable partner, contributing to the Reds conceding 26 goals so far this campaign—their worst defensive record at this stage in recent memory.
Ordonez, who rose through the ranks at Independiente del Valle in Ecuador before joining Club NXT in 2022 and then Club Brugge a year later, has established himself as a key player in Belgium. He has made 105 appearances for Brugge, including 15 in the Jupiler Pro League this season, helping his side to second place with an impressive goal difference. His composure on the ball, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game make him an ideal fit for Slot’s high-pressing system.
The Reds’ current fourth-place standing in the Premier League, 13 points behind leaders Arsenal, underscores the urgency of this signing. Issues extend beyond the centre-backs: Milos Kerkez has struggled to settle at left-back, Jeremie Frimpong has been hampered by injuries, and midfielders like Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have even been deployed as makeshift full-backs. Goalkeeper Alisson’s lengthy hamstring injury further exposed the backline, with Giorgi Mamardashvili stepping in admirably but unable to prevent leaks.
With the January transfer window opening on Thursday, Liverpool’s board sees Ordonez as a priority to steady the ship ahead of crucial fixtures against Leeds United, Fulham, and Arsenal. However, this might not be their only move. Guehi, now in the final six months of his Palace contract, could be targeted again at a reduced fee to avoid him leaving on a free transfer in the summer. Additionally, links to Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi—a versatile forward offering pace and flair—suggest potential attacking reinforcements, especially amid reports of his unrest in Germany. Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke, a 25-year-old who has shone in the Premier League, is another name floated as a defensive option.
This £43 million swoop for Ordonez represents Liverpool’s commitment to rebuilding under Slot, following a summer of significant spending. Fans will hope it marks the turning point in a season that has promised much but delivered inconsistency so far. As the deal edges closer to completion, all eyes are on Anfield for official confirmation.