Chelsea will not pursue a deal for 21-year-old Ecuadorian international Joel Ordonez next year, thereby handing the advantage to Liverpool in the race to sign him.
According to a report by Bolavip, Joel Ordonez is the subject of interest from Liverpool. The Reds are keen on bolstering their defensive unit by signing a centre-back next year. So, the 21-year-old Club Brugge prospect has emerged as a target for the Merseyside outfit.
Chelsea also mulled over a move for the South American defender for several weeks. However, the Blues have ruled out a move, leaving Liverpool in pole position to secure his services. But the Premier League champions are not alone in the race to sign Ordonez from Club Brugge. Inter Milan will also pursue his signature, with the Belgian club demanding €40 million to sell him.
How has Joel Ordonez fared at Club Brugge?
Joel Ordonez has made considerable progress since joining Club Brugge from Club NXT in July 2023. The 21-year-old had already been in Europe for a year before moving to his current club. However, he has found a stable foothold at Club Brugge, going from strength to strength in the last two and a half years.
The Ecuadorian international has made over 50 appearances thus far for Club Brugge while chipping in with four goals and two assists. Meanwhile, Ordonez’s exploits for the Belgian outfit have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Liverpool will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature next year.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Joel Ordonez has been on Liverpool’s radar for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, as the Reds are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the next two transfer windows amid uncertainties surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s long-term future. Additionally, Virgil van Dijk is in the twilight of his career. So, Ordonez has emerged as a viable target for Liverpool.
Widespread reports also linked the Club Brugge defender with Chelsea. However, the Blues have ruled out a move for the South American centre-back, even though he has been keen on moving to Stamford Bridge. While Chelsea can do with a central defender, they will not pursue the youngster’s signature.
Meanwhile, Liverpool will face stiff competition from Inter Milan for the Club Brugge defender’s signature, with the Belgian club demanding €40 million to part ways with him. With the Reds in pole position to sign the 21-year-old Ecuadorian international, it will be interesting to see if they are ready to pay €40 million to sign him.