Liverpool’s quest for defensive reinforcements is heating up, with the club poised to launch a bold bid for Club Brugge star Joel Ordonez as a contingency plan amid growing uncertainty over their pursuit of Marc Guehi.
The Reds, under manager Arne Slot, remain determined to bolster their centre-back ranks this season. With Ibrahima Konate’s long-term future at Anfield hanging in the balance and Virgil van Dijk’s performances showing signs of inconsistency after years of dominance, Slot knows that depth and quality are non-negotiable for a title-challenging campaign.
Guehi, the 25-year-old Crystal Palace captain and England international, has long been a prime target for Liverpool. A dramatic last-minute agreement in principle for a £35m transfer fell through over the summer when Palace boss Oliver Glasner refused to sanction the move, leaving Anfield officials frustrated but undeterred. Now, as Guehi’s contract enters its final months—expiring at the end of the season—the race for his signature has exploded into a multi-club battle. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are reportedly circling, ready to pounce on the versatile defender who has become a cornerstone of Palace’s backline.
Yet, with no guarantees in the transfer market, Liverpool are wasting no time exploring alternatives. According to reports from South American outlet Bolavip, the Merseyside giants have turned their attention to 21-year-old Ecuadorian sensation Joel Ordonez, a player they have been quietly scouting for several months.
Ordonez, who only recently committed his future to Club Brugge with a new deal running until 2029, has emerged as one of the standout young defenders in European football. The towering centre-back has already featured 12 times across all competitions this season, including three Champions League outings where his composure and aerial prowess shone through. His summer switch to Marseille collapsed at the eleventh hour, leaving him focused on Brugge—but Liverpool see an opportunity to change that narrative.
Undeterred by the fresh contract, the Reds are preparing a substantial offer exceeding €40m (£35m / $47m) to prise Ordonez away from the Belgian Pro League leaders. But it’s not just the fee that’s eye-catching; Liverpool are reportedly ready to dangle a “huge” salary carrot to seal the deal. Sources indicate the youngster could pocket more than €3m (£2.6m / $3.5m) annually—a figure that’s “close” to what Konate currently earns at Anfield and represents a seismic upgrade from his existing Brugge terms.
This aggressive approach underscores the intensity of Liverpool’s winter window strategy. Slot, who inherited a squad still adjusting to life post-Jurgen Klopp, views the centre-back position as a priority to maintain the high-pressing, transitional style that’s defined the club’s success. Ordonez, with his blend of physicality, ball-playing ability, and international experience (including caps for Ecuador), fits the profile perfectly as a long-term partner or successor to Van Dijk.
The timing adds further intrigue. While Guehi could become available as a free agent next summer—potentially forcing Palace into a January fire-sale to avoid losing him for nothing—Liverpool’s interest in Ordonez suggests they aren’t willing to sit idle. A mid-season swoop for the Brugge man could provide immediate cover and competition, especially if Konate pushes for a move amid interest from elsewhere.
For Ordonez, the allure of Anfield is hard to ignore. Trading the Jupiler Pro League for the Premier League’s cauldron would catapult him into the spotlight, offering Champions League football and a platform to build on his burgeoning reputation. Brugge, though, will demand top dollar for their prized asset, and Liverpool’s €40m-plus bid would test their resolve.
As the transfer rumour mill churns, one thing is clear: Arne Slot’s Liverpool are entering the market with ambition and financial muscle. Whether it’s Guehi’s elegance or Ordonez’s raw potential that graces the Kop next, the centre-back hunt is far from over—and it’s only getting more dramatic by the day. Fans will be hoping for a resolution that strengthens the spine and keeps the dream of silverware alive.