Club Brugge defender continues to be linked with Liverpool

An Ecuadorian defender from Club Brugge, Joel Ordóñez, continues to be linked with Liverpool as the club’s scouts monitor his progress closely. At 21 years old, Ordóñez has gained attention for his maturity, technical ability, and composure on the ball, attributes that align well with Liverpool manager SL Slot’s tactical philosophy. The defender’s profile—combining athleticism, aerial strength, and the ability to play out from the back—matches Liverpool’s recruitment strategy of targeting young, adaptable defensive talent.

Ordóñez, who signed a contract extension with Club Brugge until 2029, is valued at around €35-50 million. Liverpool are not expected to make a move in the January transfer window but are monitoring him for a potential summer transfer. The club’s current defensive situation—with Virgil van Dijk’s contract running until 2027, Joe Gomez potentially leaving in 2026, and Ibrahima Konaté’s contract expiring at the season’s end—makes signing a long-term defensive successor a priority.

Liverpool’s interest in Ordóñez reflects a long-term approach focused more on future squad balance than immediate fixes. While other defenders like Marc Guehi are targeted for more immediate impact, Ordóñez is viewed as a player with high potential to become a key component in the defense.

Aside from Liverpool, other top European clubs such as Chelsea, Inter Milan, Newcastle, West Ham, and Aston Villa have also been linked with Ordóñez, highlighting his rising status as one of Europe’s most sought-after young centre-backs. His performances in top competitions like the Champions League against teams like Bayern Munich and Barcelona have further raised his profile. His inclusion in Ecuador’s squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup emphasizes his growing reputation on the international stage.