Aston Villa and Everton are reportedly interested in signing 20-year-old Ecuadorian international Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Alan Nixon on The Sun, Joel Ordonez has a growing market in the Premier League. Aston Villa and Everton are keen on signing the Club Brugge defender in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, the Belgian outfit will demand around £40 million to part ways with the Ecuadorian international.
Who is Joel Ordonez?
Joel Ordonez has established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe since joining Club Brugge from Club NXT in July 2023. A native of Guayaquil, the South American centre-back spent his formative years in his homeland and graduated from the youth division at Independiente del Valle.
The 20-year-old arrived in Europe in August 2022, and he has come leaps and bounds in the last few years. Ordonez has been impressive in the 2024/25 season, making his mark in the UEFA Champions League, with Club Brugge reaching the round of 16. The youngster has turned out over 50 times thus far for the Belgian outfit while chipping in with three goals and one assist.
Meanwhile, the Ecuadorian defender’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs across Europe. Premier League bigwigs, in particular, are keen on signing the highly-rated centre-back, with Aston Villa and Everton vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Aston Villa’s interest in Joel Ordonez is understandable. The Villans are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window, considering Tyrone Mings is on the wrong side of 30. In addition, Unai Emery has no quality options beyond Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa. So, Ordonez, who will face Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League this week, is a viable target.
As for Everton, Jarrad Branthwaite faces an uncertain future at Goodison Park amid his links with European bigwigs. So, the Toffees should comb the market for a centre-back, with Ordonez being an option worth considering. Meanwhile, the South American defender will cost a premium, with Club Brugge demanding around £40 million to part ways with him.
Aston Villa should have the funds to afford a deal worth £40 million to land the Ecuadorian centre-back. However, it is unclear if Everton can muster the sum to sign the 20-year-old from Club Brugge in the summer transfer window.
