Liverpool will not sign 21-year-old Ecuadorian international Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge in the winter transfer window.
According to a report by Football Insider, Joel Ordonez has been the subject of interest from Liverpool. The Reds have mulled over bolstering their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the winter transfer window. So, the 21-year-old Club Brugge powerhouse defender emerged as a target for the Merseyside outfit.
However, the latest report may have brought frustrating news for Liverpool fans, as the Premier League champions have ruled out a January move for the South American defender. Sources from Liverpool have suggested that rumours suggesting a deal was close were “premature” after emanating from his homeland. The English giants will not make an offer for Ordonez this month.
How has Joel Ordonez fared at Club Brugge?
Joel Ordonez has established himself as one of the world’s most promising young defensive prospects since joining Club Brugge from Club NXT in July 2023. The 21-year-old had already been in Europe for a year before moving to his current club. However, he has made considerable progress at Club Brugge, making exponential progress in the last two and a half years.
The Ecuadorian international has made over 100 appearances thus far for Club Brugge while chipping in with four goals and two assists. Meanwhile, Ordonez’s exploits for the Belgian giants have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Recent reports suggested Liverpool would be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature this year.
Premier League move on the horizon?
Joel Ordonez has been on Liverpool’s radar for a long time. The continued interest was understandable, as the Reds have been scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the winter transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s long-term future. Additionally, Virgil van Dijk is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career.
Meanwhile, Giovanni Leoni will miss the start of the 2026/27 season after sustaining a long-term knee injury a few weeks ago. So, with Joe Gomez having a sketchy fitness record, Liverpool must dip into the market for a centre-back, with Ordonez emerging as a viable target. However, the latest report has revealed that the Premier League champions are not close to signing the Guayaquil native this month.
Even though recent reports claimed the Reds were in pole position to sign Ordonez, the latest update has quashed those suggestions. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the 21-year-old Ecuadorian centre-back after Liverpool’s decision not to pursue his signature and play down “premature” rumours of a winter deal.
