TBR Football understands that Chelsea and Aston Villa were amongst the sides in attendance for Ecuador’s win over Argentina.
Ecuador secured victory in the World Cup qualifier at the Monumental Stadium in Guayaquil, with former Everton and West Ham United striker Enner Valencia claiming the win.
It was a huge victory for Ecuador, which required an impressive performance from the entire squad. But it was one player in particular who many sides were on hand to watch.
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That includes teams from the Premier League, which could result in a member of the Ecuador squad moving to England soon.
Todd Boehly watching Chelsea from the stands
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Exclusive: Chelsea were scouting ‘highly-rated’ defender Joel Ordonez
Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent for TBR Football – has revealed that a number of clubs were represented at the game, including Chelsea and Villa, who were understood to be checking on highly-rated central defender Joel Ordonez.
Ordonez, who saw a move to Marseille fail to materialise in the window, has long been on the radar of a host of Premier League clubs and is being tipped to move in January.
Bailey states: “Joel Ordonez is an outstanding young defender, and it is safe to assume that he will be leaving Club Brugge in 2026.
“He is going to the World Cup finals next summer, and I am told that he is almost certain to have gone before that point.
“Chelsea and Villa are both long-term admirers of Ordonez, so no shock they are both posting scouts to keep tabs on his progress, and seeing him in action against an international-calibre strike force like Argentina is important.”
Joel Ordonez in action for Club Brugge
Photo by KURT DESPLENTER/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
Joel Ordonez’s performance might have caught Chelsea’s eye
Chelsea have been looking for a strong central defender for some time, with the club never looking quite as set defensively after Thiago Silva departed Stamford Bridge.
The Blues scouts will likely have been impressed with Ordonez, too. He helped Ecuador register a crucial clean sheet in a strong individual and team performance, made more impressive by the fact that Chelsea’s own Moises Caicedo was sent off.
Ordonez showcased his defensive qualities by making three clearances and two tackles, putting his body on the line when necessary.
Match Stats Ordonez
Ground Duels Won 4 (2)
Aerial Duels Won 3 (2)
Accurate Passes 64/68 (94%)
Touches 77
Joel Ordonez’s stats vs. Argentina – via Sofascore
This is something Enzo Maresca might be interested in, especially in the January transfer window due to Levi Colwill’s long-term ACL injury, and the fitness issues that Wesley Fofana has had since joining the club.
Chelseamust monitor their spending to ensure compliance with the rules set out by UEFA, which guarantee their participation in the Champions League.