Image Credits: Imago Images
When Liverpool and Chelsea have competed for players in recent years, they always seem to end up at Stamford Bridge.
The summer of 2023 saw the Anfield club try for both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia only for the pair to both end up at Cheslea.
Mega contracts offered by the London club have been cited as some of the reasons why players opt to ply their trade in London rather than Merseyside.
However, it looks like the two rivals could face off in the market once again.
According to a report from Bolavip, both clubs are circling Club Brugge defender Joel Ordóñez.
It is far from the first time that the Red have been linked to the player.
Bolavip report:
“Although Inter Milan and Liverpool want him, Joel Ordonez is closer to being a new Chelsea player. The Blues want the Ecuadorian defender and the fortune they will give him in salary is already known.”
“Joel Ordóñez would earn about 4 million dollars a year in his first contract with the Blues. This represents more than double what he currently receives at Club Brugge.”
“The former Independiente del Valle is expected to sign a contract of at least five seasons, just as Moisés Caicedo and Kendry Páez did when they signed for the London side.”
Ordóñez joined Club Brugge from Ecuadorian outfit Independiente del Valle in August 2022 for a reported €4 million fee.
The same academy that produce Moises Caicedo and Arsenal’s Piero Hincapié, Independiente del Valle has established itself as a production line for South American talent.
A glance at the defender’s underlying creative stats showcase why Liverpool would be keen on the Ecuadorian:
Passing Stat Per 90 Percentile
Pass Completion % 91.3% 94
Passes Attempted 65.60 81
Progressive Passes 4.47 85
npxG + xAG 0.12 91
The 6’2″ defender initially featured for Club Brugge’s reserve side before breaking into the first team, where he has accumulated nearly 100 senior appearances for the Belgian champions, including crucial contributions to their Champions League campaigns.
He has earned 11 caps for the Ecuador national team and recently signed a contract extension until 2029.
It definitely seems like he is one to watch heading into the summer transfer window and beyond
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