The general view of the stadium during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Selhurst Park on September 3, 2023 in London
The general view of the stadium during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Selhurst Park on September 3, 2023 in London
According to reports, Crystal Palace have agreed a deal to sign Joel Ordóñez from Club Brugge for a fee reported to be around £26 million.
Ordóñez has attracted significant interest over the transfer window, with Aston Villa reportedly working on a deal to sign the 22-year-old centre-back.
The Eagles will be desperate to add to their defensive options after the departure of Maxence Lacroix as well as the injury picked up by Chadi Riad on the opening day of the season.
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Joel Ordóñez to Crystal Palace?
Joel Ordóñez is a 22-year-old centre-back who has already made 128 appearances for Club Brugge since joining in August 2022.
Ordóñez has enjoyed success with the Belgian side, having recently won his second league title, which added to his Belgian Cup trophy from 2025.
The centre-back also offers valuable European experience, having played 22 games in the Champions League, which included scoring against Atletico Madrid last season.
The Ecuadorian played four games at the recent World Cup, which included ninety minutes as the South American side overturned Germany in the group stage.
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Crystal Palace: Outside Selhurst Park
IMAGO / Colorsport
Crystal Palace Need for Defensive Options
New Palace manager Pierre Sage has been busy trying to strengthen his defensive options ahead of a busy season in which the Eagles are competing in four competitions.
Deals for Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oscar Mingueza and Axel Disasi have all been completed, but the sale of Maxence Lacroix and a long-term injury to Chadi Riad mean that more options are needed.
Ordóñez is currently struggling with a metatarsal fracture, with just a medical standing between him and a move to the Premier League.
Pierre Sage and Palace will be desperate to add the centre-back to his ranks with just a week left of the transfer window.
With such a high reputation, if Crystal Palace can pull off the deal, it will be a superb coup and the Eagles would’ve seen off Champions League opposition in Aston Villa.
Featured Image Credit:
IMAGO/Sebastian Frej