Liverpool will reportedly compete with Aston Villa and Everton to sign 20-year-old 20-year-old Ecuadorian centre-back Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge this summer.
According to a report by Daily Mail, Joel Ordonez is the subject of interest from Liverpool. The Reds are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window and have set their sights on the Club Brugge prospect. However, the Merseyside outfit will face stiff competition from Aston Villa and Everton for the 20-year-old defensive whizkid.
Joel Ordonez and his European journey so far
Joel Ordonez has seen his stock soar since joining Club Brugge from Club NXT in July 2023. The South American defender had already been in Europe for a year before moving to his current employers. However, he has found a stable foothold at Club Brugge, going from strength to strength in the last 18 months.
The 20-year-old has turned out over 50 times thus far for the Belgian outfit while chipping in with three goals and one assist. Ordonez’s exploits have helped Club Brugge reach the UEFA Champions League round of 16, with his progress capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Aston Villa and Liverpool. Everton will also compete with the Premier League bigwigs for his signature.
A man in demand
Aston Villa and Everton have been vying for the Ecuadorian defender’s signature for a long time. The two Premier League clubs are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window. While Unai Emery wants more options beyond Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa, David Moyes might be in the market for Jarrad Branthwaite’s long-term replacement.
However, Joel Ordonez has the quality to usurp James Tarkowski as the first-choice centre-back if Branthwaite remains at the Merseyside club ahead of the move to Bramley-Moore Dock. So, the Club Brugge centre-back is a viable target for Aston Villa and Everton.
As for Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk is entering the twilight of his illustrious career. In addition, the Dutch defender has yet to commit his long-term future to the Merseyside club. So, with Ibrahima Konate the only other reliable centre-back in Arne Slot’s squad, Liverpool can do with another option.
Liverpool’s entry into the picture complicates matters for Aston Villa and Everton. So, it will be interesting to see where the 20-year-old Ecuadorian international lands if he leaves Club Brugge in the summer transfer window.