Liverpool’s problems at centre-back this season has been one of the biggest talking points of a disappointing campaign.
The Reds have been reluctant to do business for a new defender in recent years, with the summer arrival of Giovanni Leoni their first centre-half signing since Ibrahima Konate in 2021.
As things stand, Konate looks likely to depart Liverpool in 2026, leaving them with plenty to do in the transfer market.
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How happy would you be if Liverpool sign Joel Ordonez?
A move is reportedly on the verge of being sealed!
Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge pictured during the UEFA Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon de Portugal at Jose Alvalade Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey
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To add to their worries, Virgil van Dijk is currently only contracted for another 18 months. The captain has been the stalwart of Liverpool‘s defence for close to a decade, and will be virtually impossible to replace when the time comes.
Van Dijk could yet play on at Anfield beyond 2027, but Liverpool must come up with a succession plan in the meantime. Thankfully, after reports emerged that Joel Ordonez is on the verge of joining the Reds from Club Brugge, that plot appears to be developing quickly.
Joel Ordonez and Giovanni Leoni are the future for Liverpool
Given the likelihood of Konate’s departure, Van Dijk’s uncertainty and the ongoing struggle to keep Joe Gomez fit, there is an argument that Liverpool could need three new centre-backs in the next 18 months.
Fans will still hope to see a more experienced defender such as Marc Guehi or Nico Schlotterbeck arrive in 2026, but for the time being, the capture of Ordonez would be a good start.
Joel Ordonez pictured in action during Club Brugge's UEFA Champions League match against Arsenal.
Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
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Regardless of whether a Guehi or a Schlotterbeck arrives, Liverpool look to be planning even further ahead than that.
Replacing someone of Van Dijk’s stature is a huge ask, and you’re never really going to do that by bringing in only one player. Instead, Liverpool appear to be eyeing a future partnership of Leoni and Ordonez to succeed the legendary Dutchman.
With a combined age of only 40, Leoni and Ordonez together could fill the huge gap set to be left by Van Dijk’s eventual departure. Guehi, for example, could come in to replace Konate and play alongside the captain until he leaves. But looking further beyond that, the Reds will already be well-placed to deliver.
Which Bundesliga talent are you taking? Yan Diomande or Said El Mala
Both are on Liverpool's radar 👀
Yan Diomande in action during RB Leipzig's Bundesliga match against Werder Bremen at the Red Bull Arena (Credit: Getty Images/Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto).
Said El Mala celebrates after scoring for FC Koln during their Bundesliga match against St Pauli (Credit: Getty Images/Ralf Ibing - firo sportphoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto/Ralf Ibing – firo/Sportphoto
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How will Liverpool’s centre-back options look next season?
For a young defender like Ordonez, the pull of playing with and learning from Van Dijk must be massive. If the Ecuadorian does arrive this month, he will have the chance to do that for at least 18 months.
Alongside Leoni, he will form a superb back-up partnership in 2026/27, which could then progress to taking over regular duties.
Assuming Konate leaves, though, it remains to be seen who Van Dijk’s primary partner will be next term.
It could be either Ordonez or Leoni, of course. The Italian in particular looked impressive during his Liverpool debut in September, but he will not be rushed back from a serious knee injury.
It is more likely that an experienced option arrives to insure Liverpool for the here and now. But Liverpool clearly have an eye on leaving a progression plan for two of the most talented young centre-backs in Europe. That should excite even the most downbeat of supporters this January.
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