Exclusive: Liverpool scouting Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez ahead of January transfer window

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Exclusive with Graeme Bailey.Liverpool are one of the clubs actively scouting Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez, Rousing The Kop can exclusively reveal.Reds scouts are understood to have been present to watch Brugge’s 1-0 win over Union Saint Gilloise on Sunday, with Ordonez the primary reason for their visit.Liverpool have previously done work on the 21-year-old, and Ordonez is understood to be one of the players being assessed ahead of the January transfer window.The Reds were not initially planning to enter the winter market for a centre-back in 2026, despite Marc Guehi’s move from Crystal Palace falling through at the last minute.However, after Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending injury, Liverpool are understood to be evaluating their options. Photo by Ryan Crockett/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty ImagesClub Brugge aware of Liverpool interest in Joel OrdonezOrdonez has been catching the eye of scouts from Europe’s biggest clubs ever since arriving at Club Brugge from Independiente del Valle in 2022.The young defender is seen to have made big strides over the last 12 months, with Liverpool long-since aware of his talent.For their part, Brugge are understood to be aware of interest in Ordonez from across the continent.READ MORE: Mohamed Salah spotted apologising to one of his Liverpool teammates after what happened vs ChelseaSources have told RTK that while the Belgian side would prefer to keep the defender until the end of the season, they will not stand in his way should a significant offer arrive in January.Liverpool are understood to be weighing up whether a mid-season addition is necessary and much will depend on their injury situation around the New Year.Guehi remains of interest alongside the likes of Ordonez, but a deal for the Crystal Palace captain is seen as being unlikely as things stand.Liverpool could sign two centre-backsWhile Guehi is understood to remain top of Liverpool’s wishlist, RTK understands that the Reds may sign more than one central defender in 2026.Liverpool remain in talks with Ibrahima Konate over a new contract, but as of yet no progress have been made on an extension for the Frenchman.As a result, Arne Slot may be in the market for at least two centre-backs in the coming months.Ordonez and Guehi are understood to feature prominently on Liverpool’s shortlist, but alternative plans are also being drawn up simultaneously.