Report: Anfield chiefs watch trio as Guehi remains summer target | OneFootball

Guehi Remains on Liverpool’s Radar Despite Focus Elsewhere

Liverpool’s summer business may already total around £300m, but their defensive recruitment is far from over. As attention turns towards finalising a potential move for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, those within the recruitment team at Anfield continue to keep tabs on Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

The England international, who has entered the final year of his contract, is valued at approximately £45m by Palace. However, Liverpool are understood to be reluctant to meet that figure and are instead adopting a wait-and-see approach, believing a lower-cost agreement may emerge closer to the end of the window.

Guehi’s situation is considered by Liverpool to be an opportunity rather than an immediate necessity, with the club currently prioritising other areas. Nevertheless, the 23-year-old remains admired for his composure, athleticism and experience despite his age.

Joe Gomez’s injury setback and the earlier sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen have left Arne Slot with just two fit senior centre-halves in Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. That makes the pursuit of reinforcements a logical next step.

Youth Profiles Targeted as Part of Long-Term Vision

Alongside the experienced Guehi, Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes is also assessing three younger defensive targets: Giovanni Leoni of Parma, Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge, and Konstantinos Koulierakis of Wolfsburg. All three have been subject to regular scouting throughout the last year.

Each player is viewed as a long-term investment rather than short-term cover, with Hughes keen to add a centre-half aged between 18 and 22. This is seen as a separate operation from the Guehi pursuit, allowing Liverpool to reinforce both immediately and with future seasons in mind.

With Van Dijk now 34 and entering the final stretch of his contract, and Konaté’s deal also due to expire next summer, Liverpool are actively preparing for life beyond their current defensive axis.

Ordonez Emerging as a Standout Talent

Of the three young options on the table, Joel Ordonez has arguably made the most significant impression. The 21-year-old Ecuadorian has featured heavily in Club Brugge’s Champions League campaign, making 12 appearances in Europe and over 80 in total for the senior side since his breakthrough.

A graduate of Independiente del Valle, where he played alongside Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, Ordonez has already picked up seven caps for Ecuador. His Champions League experience and physical profile (standing at 6ft 2in) make him an attractive proposition for a Premier League side looking to strengthen with both quality and potential.

Joel Ordóñez: Ball-Playing Defender with Attacking Upside

Joel Ordóñez continues to emerge as one of the more intriguing centre-back prospects in European football. The 21-year-old Ecuadorian, currently plying his trade at Club Brugge, is showing attributes well-suited to a progressive side, particularly one with a high defensive line and ball-dominant approach.

His statistical radar over the past 365 days (across 1,818 minutes) paints a clear picture: Ordóñez thrives in possession and even shows signs of contributing in attacking areas. Ranked in the 96th percentile for pass completion and the 92nd for progressive passes, he’s a highly efficient distributor from deep. His confidence on the ball is further reinforced by strong metrics in progressive carries (69th) and successful take-ons (67th) — remarkable for a central defender.

What stands out even more is his attacking threat. Ordóñez sits in the 94th percentile for non-penalty expected goals (npxG) and 91st for actual non-penalty goals, suggesting he’s a consistent threat from set pieces or late runs into the box. He also scores in the 86th percentile for expected assisted goals (xAG) and shot-creating actions, hinting at a surprising creative streak for a player in his role.

Defensively, however, there’s room to grow. Ordóñez ranks in the bottom quartile for blocks, tackles plus interceptions, and clearances. This could reflect either a style of play prioritising anticipation over physical engagement or potential areas for development.

While still raw in several defensive departments, the blend of on-ball excellence, vertical progression, and attacking contribution make Ordóñez a compelling option for top clubs looking to build from the back. With experience already in the Champions League and seven Ecuador caps to his name, he could represent outstanding value in the right tactical setup.

Leoni and Koulierakis Also Considered

Giovanni Leoni, the youngest of the trio at just 18, is seen as a more developmental signing. His performances for Parma have drawn praise, but there are lingering questions over his readiness for top-flight football in England.

Konstantinos Koulierakis, like Ordonez, is also 21 and represents a more immediate option. Having made the switch from PAOK to Wolfsburg, the Greek defender is seen as a technically sound and tactically intelligent centre-half, capable of adapting quickly to the demands of Liverpool’s high line.

With Hughes continuing to build for the future, the club’s next defensive move is likely to hinge on the timing and availability of each player – and whether value can be found amid a congested and competitive market.