Liverpool are on the brink of securing a major defensive reinforcement this January, with Club Brugge center-back Joel Ordonez reportedly just “one signature away” from completing his move to Anfield. According to recent reports from the player’s native Ecuador, the Reds have edged out competition from top clubs like Inter Milan and Chelsea to land the promising young defender, who has been swayed by the ambitious sporting project under Arne Slot.
The negotiations, led by Liverpool’s chief executive of soccer Michael Edwards, have progressed rapidly, with the main terms of the deal already agreed upon. Sources indicate that only minor details remain to be finalized before Ordonez puts pen to paper on a lucrative contract worth $7 million (£5.2 million) per year. This substantial salary reflects Liverpool’s commitment to bolstering their backline amid ongoing injury concerns and a shortage of options at center-back.
Ordonez, a 21-year-old Ecuador international, has impressed in the Belgian Pro League with Club Brugge, showcasing his composure on the ball, aerial prowess, and defensive solidity—qualities that align perfectly with Slot’s tactical demands. The transfer fee is expected to exceed $47 million, a significant investment that underscores Liverpool’s urgency to address their defensive vulnerabilities during the winter window.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Ordonez comes against a backdrop of defensive woes that began last summer. The Reds had initially targeted Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, but the deal fell through when Palace backed out, citing concerns over losing their captain mid-season. This setback was compounded by injuries within the squad: teenage summer signing Giovanni Leoni suffered a serious knee injury in a League Cup match, sidelining him for the rest of the campaign, while Joe Gomez continues to battle fitness issues. As a result, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate remain the only fully fit senior center-backs available to Slot.
Although Liverpool retains interest in Guehi, who could become a free agent next summer, a January move for the England international appears unlikely due to competition from other suitors. Instead, the focus has shifted to Ordonez, whose arrival could provide immediate depth and long-term potential to the Reds’ defense.
However, while Ecuadorian outlet Diario Expreso has painted the deal as imminent, some conflicting reports suggest the situation may not be as advanced. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has clarified that Liverpool are scouting Ordonez but have not yet agreed terms, with a summer transfer more likely than a mid-season switch. Additionally, Club Brugge confirmed that Ordonez was part of their 30-player squad heading to a warm-weather training camp in Marbella, indicating no immediate departure is planned.
Despite these caveats, the momentum behind the rumors—fueled by sources close to the player—points to a potential breakthrough soon. Other outlets, including ESPN and Sky Sports, have reported a £43 million deal could be finalized in days, with £35 million upfront and bonuses. If completed, this would mark Liverpool’s first major signing of the January window and a statement of intent as they chase silverware on multiple fronts.
Fans will be watching closely as the transfer saga unfolds, with Ordonez potentially set to become the latest South American talent to grace Anfield. For now, the deal hangs on that final signature, but the pieces appear to be falling into place for what could be a transformative addition to Slot’s squad.