Liverpool are reportedly close to signing Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez, with sources in South America claiming a deal worth £35 million is close.
Ordonez is a 21-year-old right-sided centre-back currently plying his trade in Belgium with Club Brugge, for whom he has already made 105 appearances.
But according to reports in his native Ecuador, including Bolavip, Liverpool are close to a deal at the start of the January transfer window.
Joel Ordóñez to Liverpool transfer: TL;DR
Agreement “close”: Liverpool are reportedly nearing a £35 million deal for Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez, with personal terms already finalised.
Defensive reinforcement: The 21-year-old Ecuador international would be vital cover for Arne Slot following injuries to Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez.
Guehi impact: The move for Ordonez could signal the end of Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Guehi, though a free transfer remains a summer possibility.
It is claimed that an agreement worth around €40 million (£34.9m) is close to being agreed, while personal terms have already been finalised with the young defender according to Tera Deportes.
This would reportedly triple his current salary to around £60,000 per week, which would place Ordonez in the lower tier of earners at Liverpool, in line with the club’s wage structure.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 27, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
While reports of Liverpool’s push to sign the centre-back are yet to be verified by sources within the club, their interest is already known.
If Ordonez did make the move to Merseyside it would resemble a much-needed addition to Arne Slot‘s back line following a season-ending injury to Giovanni Leoni.
Joe Gomez is also sidelined at present which means 19-year-old Wellity Lucky has been promoted to the first-team squad as backup to first-choice starters Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
Uncertainty over Konate’s future has magnified the need for a new centre-back signing, while there is no guarantee Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi will complete his move to Anfield despite being close to signing at the end of the summer.
Could deal for Joel Ordonez affect Marc Guehi pursuit?
Marc Guehi in action for Palace (John Walton/PA)
In fact, any deal for Ordonez could suggest the end of Liverpool’s interest in Guehi, though it could certainly be argued that the Premier League champions require two new signings at centre-back.
Guehi is a more natural left-sided centre-back and therefore it remains possible that a free transfer is completed when his contract at Selhurst Park expires on July 1.
Ordonez began his career with Deportivo Azogues before establishing himself in the academy at Independiente del Valle, breaking into their first team before securing a move to Club Brugge in 2023.
He debuted for the Ecuador national team in March 2024 and now has 14 caps, predominantly playing as a centre-back but also at right-back on occasion.
Joel Ordonez: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Joel Ordóñez and what is his position?
Joel Ordóñez is a 21-year-old Ecuadorian international who plays as a right-sided centre-back. Standing at 1.88m (6ft 2in), he is also capable of playing at right-back.
How many appearances has Ordóñez made for Club Brugge?
The defender has already surpassed 100 senior appearances for Club Brugge, including 18 appearances in the Champions League.
How much would Joel Ordóñez cost Liverpool?
Reports suggest a deal worth approximately £35 million (€40m) is close to being agreed, with claims personal terms are already settled with the player.