The UEFA Champions League returns this week, with Liverpool leading the charge in the revamped competition.
The Reds remain the only side to have a 100% record in the tournament after five games played, with Liverpool travelling to Girona tonight in what could be an interesting encounter for Arne Slot’s side, especially having had the weekend off.
With Girona manager Michel labelling Liverpool as the best side in Europe, the Reds head into 2025 as one of the most appealing clubs for any player to join, with Slot transforming the Anfield side into a nonstop winning machine.
And a Champions League manager has now addressed rumours that Liverpool want to sign one of his players.
Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge KV lines up before the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Celtic FC and Club Brugge KV at Cel...
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Liverpool target Joel Ordonez make Premier League move next summer
Speaking to the press ahead of Club Brugge’s Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon tonight, manager Nicky Hayen admitted that Joel Ordonez could make the move to the Premier League next summer when asked about Liverpool’s interest in the player.
Liverpool have been rumoured with a move for Ordonez in recent weeks with the £25m-rated centre-back enjoying a fantastic breakout season in Europe with Brugge, with the 20-year-old Ecuador international attracting some serious interest from across the continent.
And manager Hayen has said that the ultimate goal for Ordonez would be to move to the Premier League, with Liverpool an option with the Reds in the market for a young defender heading into 2025.
Hayen said: “That is ultimately what you want as a player. What makes me happy is that Joel always does his job despite the interest. When that transfer will happen, you have no control over that. It could be in the winter season, but it could also be after this season, which we would prefer.”
BRUGGE - Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge KV during the UEFA Champions League match between Club Brugge and Aston Villa FC at Jan Breydel Stadium on Nov...
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Who else is interested in signing Liverpool target Ordonez?
At 20-years-old, Ordonez is very much at the start of his European career having moved to Brugge from Independiente del Valle in 2022, with the defender enjoying a fantastic breakout year with the Belgian giants.
Yet as well as Liverpool, Chelsea are also believed to be interested in signing Ordonez, with the Blues making it a habit of sorts in recent transfer windows to hoover up the biggest and best talents from South America no matter the cost.
With a big rival already interested in Ordonez, Liverpool need to move fast to sign the Ecuador international, who could be the answer to Slot’s long-term defensive issues that will need addressing next summer.