Liverpool supporters have been getting prepared for the potential arrival of Joel Ordonez this January after some exciting claims from Ecuador.
The Reds are badly in need of a new centre-back to help them for the rest of the season, and the 21-year-old has emerged as a potential arrival.
Reports from his home nation on New Year’s Day suggested that Ordonez was on the verge of joining Liverpool, with only some final details left to sort out.
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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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Although fans would prefer a more experienced defender such as Marc Guehi arriving this month, signing the Club Brugge stopper would enhance Liverpool‘s chances of winning silverware this season.
Unfortunately, it emerged on Friday that Anfield sources have downplayed the chances of Ordonez joining. The same evening, journalist Fabrizio Romano added his own take to stick the knife in even more.
Liverpool are merely scouting Joel Ordonez
Many supporters may never have even heard of Ordonez prior to Ecuadorian claims that he is on his way to Merseyside.
Nevertheless, he is clearly a very talented defender who would add more stability to the Liverpool squad.
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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According to Romano, though, his arrival looks unlikely this January, with Liverpool merely scouting Ordonez alongside many other options.
“Many questions on Joel Ordonez with reports saying that a deal is already done with Liverpool,” the journalist said on his YouTube channel.
“What I can tell you guys is that the relationship with Liverpool and Brugge is very good, it’s an excellent relationship, this is what I’m told. But at the moment Liverpool are scouting Ordonez, as they are scouting many players, but nothing done or agreed at this stage.”
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Harvey Elliott celebrates after scoring for Liverpool during their pre-season friendly match against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA
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Is a summer move more likely?
Reading between the lines, it appears that sources in Ecuador have been told of Liverpool’s interest in Ordonez, perhaps by intermediaries, and have jumped the gun.
Liverpool obviously like the player, though, and this could indicate that things are in motion ahead of a summer move.
The Reds are likely to need at least two new centre-back signings at the end of the season, and Ordonez could well be one of those.
Liverpool agreed a deal to sign 17-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe on Friday, and there is likely to be half an eye on his eventual ascension to the first-team, which could limit other senior arrivals.
But while Ordonez looks unlikely to join this month, we would still not rule him out of a move to Anfield in 2026.
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