Report: Liverpool ‘weighing up’ move to sign £24.3m defender | OneFootball

Liverpool Step Up Interest in Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez Amid Defensive Concerns

Liverpool’s recruitment team are stepping up their pursuit of defensive reinforcements, with Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez emerging as a serious target ahead of the January transfer window. The 21-year-old Ecuadorian has attracted growing attention from several European clubs, and Liverpool’s scouts have been among the most active observers in recent weeks.

Liverpool Scouting Mission Signals Renewed Defensive Focus

Senior sources close to the club have confirmed that Liverpool scouts attended Club Brugge’s recent 1–0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise, where Ordonez was the primary focus of their visit. The young centre-back’s composure, positional intelligence and ability to play out from the back have been key factors in Liverpool’s renewed interest.

While the Merseyside side initially had no plans to invest heavily in a defender this winter, Marc Guehi’s failed move from Crystal Palace last summer — combined with Giovanni Leoni’s long-term injury — has reshaped their priorities. The club’s recruitment department is said to be reassessing the balance of Arne Slot’s defensive options as the January window approaches.

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Ordonez Progress Drawing Continental Attention

Since joining Club Brugge from Independiente del Valle in 2022, Ordonez has developed rapidly, establishing himself as one of the most promising defenders in Belgian football. His blend of technical skill and physicality has caught the attention of scouts from top leagues, including the Premier League, Serie A, and La Liga. He is now valued at £24.3m, according to Transfermarkt.

Within Anfield’s corridors, there is an appreciation for the Ecuadorian’s maturity and adaptability — qualities that align closely with Liverpool’s modern defensive blueprint. Club Brugge are aware of this growing interest and, while they would prefer to retain him until the end of the season, they are unlikely to block a move should a significant offer arrive in January.

Liverpool’s long-term admiration for Ordonez predates this latest scouting mission. Club insiders note that he has featured in the club’s tracking data for over a year, and his recent form has only strengthened his standing on the shortlist.

Transfer Decisions to Depend on Squad Fitness

Whether Liverpool make a formal approach in January may depend on how their defensive unit holds up during a congested winter schedule. Injuries to key players have disrupted Slot’s plans, prompting internal discussions about accelerating recruitment plans.

The club’s hierarchy is mindful of balancing squad depth with long-term sustainability, particularly given the ongoing negotiations with Ibrahima Konate over a new deal. No agreement has been reached yet, and the uncertainty surrounding his future could prompt Liverpool to seek multiple defensive signings in 2026.

Guehi and Ordonez Remain Key Names on Shortlist

Although Marc Guehi remains a long-term target, his high valuation and Crystal Palace’s reluctance to sell make a deal complex. As a result, Liverpool’s recruitment team have diversified their options, with Ordonez emerging as a realistic and cost-effective alternative.

There is a growing belief within Anfield that investing in youth and potential could serve the club well under Arne Slot’s evolving philosophy. Should Liverpool act decisively, they could secure one of Europe’s most promising young defenders before his value escalates further.

Liverpool’s scouting of Joel Ordonez is not merely exploratory — it reflects a strategic pivot towards strengthening the defensive core, ensuring depth, and preparing for the next phase of their rebuild under Slot.