Liverpool’s long-term centre-back recruitment is beginning to take shape, with fresh reports shedding light on how Arne Slot’s side intend to approach the market over the next two windows.
While one high-profile target remains central to the club’s thinking, attention is also turning towards alternative options. Liverpool came so close to signing Marc Guehi in the summer but a deal to sign him collapsed on Deadline Day which has harmed them this season.
The decision to sell Jarell Quansah before a replacement was secured is one that now looks questionable in hindsight.
Liverpool reassess centre-back plans after Guehi setback
Liverpool came close to signing Guehi during the 2025 summer transfer window, agreeing a £35million fee with Crystal Palace and settling personal terms with the England international.
The move ultimately collapsed on deadline day after Palace failed to source a replacement in time, despite Guehi being close to making the switch. Since then, the defender has moved on from the disappointment, while Liverpool have continued to assess their centre-back options.
That need remains pressing. Ibrahima Konaté has yet to sign a new contract and has faced scrutiny over his form this season, while Virgil van Dijk, now 34, is entering the latter stages of his career.
As a result, Liverpool are planning ahead, with defensive recruitment now expected to span both January and the summer of 2026.
Ordonez emerges as January option amid rival interest
One name under close consideration is Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez. Liverpool, alongside Chelsea, made contact for the 21-year-old earlier this month, with both Brugge and the player open to a January move.
Liverpool have since been handed a potential boost. Bolavip reports that Chelsea have withdrawn from negotiations, clearing the way for Slot’s side to move into pole position.
While no reason is given for Chelsea’s exit, the report claims Liverpool are now considered frontrunners even though Inter Milan have also entered the race.
Brugge are understood to value Ordonez at €40million (£35m), with the Ecuador international regarded as one of the standout defensive talents in the Belgian Pro League.
Further clarity has come from the Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele, who reports that Liverpool will not revisit their move for Guehi until next summer. Instead, the club are monitoring Ordonez, Brentford’s Nathan Collins and Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix as potential January additions.
Steele notes that Liverpool have been impressed by Ordonez’s international displays for Ecuador, as well as his versatility across centre-back and right-back roles.
Despite those options, Guehi remains central to Liverpool’s longer-term strategy. Sky Sports recently reported that the Reds are leading the race for his signature, even amid interest from Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich. BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel has also confirmed that Liverpool intend to wait, with a free transfer next summer the preferred route.