Joel Ordonez has emerged as a potential target for Liverpool as they attempt to boost their centre-back options this January.
The Reds have been decidedly short in defence after losing Giovanni Leoni to a season-ending injury in September.
According to reports in his native Ecuador, Liverpool are closing in on Ordonez as a winter signing from Club Brugge.
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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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While the strength of the reporting suggests that a deal really is in the offing, the rumours have not been corroborated by local Liverpool press.
That changed on Friday, when journalist David Lynch spoke out to assess whether the Reds really are about to sign Ordonez.
Anfield sources deny Joel Ordonez deal is imminent
Although Ordonez is certainly not a household name, especially not in Liverpool, his potential arrival has still generated excitement amongst fans desperate to see a new centre-back come in.
Speaking to Anfield Index, however, Lynch took an extinguisher to the enthusiasm, claiming a conversation he had during Thursdayâs match against Leeds United suggested that a deal is not happening.
Joel Ordonez takes control of the ball during the UEFA Champions League match between Bayern Munich and Club Brugge at the Allianz Stadium
Photo by EyesWideOpen/Getty Images
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âI had a conversation at Anfield yesterday that really poured cold water on it to be honest, so I donât think so,â said the reporter when asked to comment on the Ordonez story.
âThe way it was put to me â and I think this is accurate â heâs a young centre-half and Liverpool have got a young centre-half in Leoni. He is the young prospect they want as third, fourth choice to develop. They have watched Ordonez closely, they have liked him in the past, but theyâre not looking for someone else who is of that profile: a young player who is going to need a lot of time and development.
âI think when they do sign a centre-half, which will absolutely happen in the summer, maybe theyâll end up needing two, I think theyâre going to be more of the experienced ilk like a Marc Guehi.â
Liverpool can only sign ONE player this January, which position should they strengthen?
Marc Guehi during FC Dynamo Kyiv v Crystal Palace FC - UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD1
Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
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Will Liverpool sign someone else instead?
The main disappointment here for Liverpool fans will not be that Ordonez himself is not joining, but rather that it signals the likelihood of another dry January in the market.
While Lynch is positive about the chances of Liverpool signing defenders in the summer, he does also say that he expects a very quiet January.
For where the Reds currently sit in the Premier League table, that is really not what supporters want to hear.
Centre-back is not the only area in need of some attention, with the midfield and attack also arguably short. But the middle of the defence is possibly the most crucial to ensuring Liverpool can meet their goals this season.
There is nothing to say that Ordonez could not come in and hit the ground running at Anfield. Yes, he is young, but that does not mean he couldnât be a success. With Liverpool seemingly unlikely to do anything different, his arrival would be better than nothing.
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