At Bruges, OM reunite with Joel Ordonez, the defender they chased in vain all summer | OneFootball

Marseille visit Club Bruges on Wednesday in the Champions League at 21:00, the final group matchday, and they will face Ecuador defender Joel Ordonez, the summer target who got away.

According to L'Équipe, OM bid €25m then €30m in August. The four-cap international wanted the move, having informed Bruges and skipped training, but Bruges held out for €35m to €40m and explored rival interest.

The 21-year-old stayed, extended to 2029 in mid-September, and regained his place. Leko describes him as very young yet already experienced, and Stankovic sees him as energetic in the dressing room.

A right-footer who can play full-back for his country, he is often likened to close friend Willian Pacho and is quick, strong in duels and calm in build-up. His profile appeals to Roberto De Zerbi and to Medhi Benatia. Since his renewal, Liverpool have reportedly joined the race at close to €50m.

OM have since used the budget to sign left-footer Nayef Aguerd from West Ham for about €23m, and to take Benjamin Pavard on loan with a €15m option from Inter, a move that has not brought much success.

Ordonez dreams of the Premier League and continues to deliver for Bruges, probably at least until June. Leko is convinced he will end up at a top European club. Bruges, with a positive €115m transfer balance over three years and chasing the title and Europe, have already moved this winter for Metz defender Sadibou Sané.

Source: L'Équipe