Liverpool Set to Wrap Up £43m Transfer Deal 'In Just Days' as Chelsea Pull Out

Liverpool are on the verge of securing a major January transfer coup for Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez, valued at around €40 million (£35-43m), after Chelsea abruptly withdrew from the race.[1][2][6]

The 21-year-old Ecuadorian international has emerged as Liverpool's top target to shore up their leaky defense amid a title defense crisis. The Reds have lost four straight Premier League games, conceding 14 goals in nine matches, with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk struggling, and backup Giovanni Leoni sidelined for the season with a torn ACL.[1][2] Preferred option Marc Guehi won't be available until summer on a free, forcing Liverpool into the January market.[1]

Ordonez, a teammate of Chelsea's Moises Caicedo on Ecuador's national team, was long linked with Stamford Bridge. Caicedo reportedly pushed for the move, and Chelsea scouted him extensively since early 2025.[1][2][4] However, the Blues have ruled out a pursuit next year despite Ordonez's interest in the club, handing Liverpool pole position.[2][6]

Club Brugge demand €40m for the promising defender, who has impressed in Belgium since joining from Independiente del Valle in 2022.[1][2][5][8] Liverpool have monitored him for months, sending scouts, as they plan for life beyond Konate and an aging Van Dijk.[2][7] Ordonez is open to a Premier League switch, viewing it as an ideal step.[5][8]

Competition persists from Inter Milan, but reports suggest Liverpool could finalize the deal swiftly, potentially "in just days," clearing the path for a transformative signing.[2][6] This move aligns with Liverpool's urgent need for defensive reinforcements to salvage their season.[1][7]

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