Done deal: Chelsea have won the race to sign Deinner Ordonez
Chelsea Football Newsletter
As per various reports, Independiente del Valle have accepted all conditions for a deal and Ordonez is expected to offically arrive at Stamford Bridge in January 2028.
The reason for Ordonez’s delayed arrival is because FA rules state that clubs are not able to sign foreign players until they turn 18, which the defender will do on October 29, 2027.
Furthermore, it is understood that the Blues fought off competition from three major European clubs for the 16-year-old’s signature.
Premier League rivals Liverpool are reportedly one of those clubs following recent reports that claimed the reigning champions of England had been monitoring the young defender.
However, it is Chelsea who have won the race as the club continues their drive of recruiting the best young talent in South America, having done so with the likes of Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez in recent years.
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Interestingly, the Blues have returned to Independiente del Valle for more business after striking a deal with the Ecuardioan club for Paez in 2023 before sending the winger out on loan in the summer.
El Matagigantes are also the same club that produced current Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Unlike Caicedo though, Ordonez is a central defender widely known for his incredible pace, strength and heading ability. The teenager is yet to make a senior appearance for Independiente del Valle but was promoted to their under-17 side at the age of 14.
At the age of 15, he was called up to Ecuador's under-20 side for the 2025 South American U-20 Championship at the beginning of the year and became his nation's youngest ever player at the competition when he started the opening game against Bolivia.