Aston Villa have contacted Club Brugge over a potential deal for Joel Ordonez, with the Birmingham club urgently seeking defensive reinforcements.
Aston Villa are in the race to sign Joel Ordonez after approaching Club Brugge about a potential move for the Ecuadorian defender, with the Birmingham club urgently seeking defensive reinforcements. According to Sky Sports, Unai Emery’s side are looking for a new centre-back following Ezri Konsa’s departure to Arsenal and remain interested in Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Aston Villa opened their Premier League campaign with a disappointing 4-0 defeat away to Brighton & Hove Albion, and they were reduced to 10 men after Joao Gomes was sent off. It was far from the ideal start for a team with major ambitions for the season ahead.
Aston Villa enquire about Ordonez
Aston Villa have contacted Club Brugge to ask about Ordonez’s availability, with the Ecuadorian viewed as a viable option for their defence. The centre-back has performed at a high level for the Belgian club, making more than 120 appearances since joining in 2022.
Ordonez has attracted interest from several clubs throughout the summer, but Aston Villa now appear to be among the leading contenders for his signature. The 22-year-old has Champions League experience, which is an important factor in Villa’s interest as they prepare for another demanding European campaign.
However, it remains unclear how much Club Brugge would demand if they decided to sell him late in the transfer window. According to sources close to the matter, the 2025/26 Jupiler Pro League winners could seek a fee of around €45 million.
Aston Villa are in a position to pay a significant amount following Konsa’s big-money move to Arsenal, although they must also strengthen other areas of the squad. Club Brugge have not yet responded positively to Villa’s enquiry, but the approach confirms the club’s interest in the defender.
The Athletic also reported that Ordonez is one of three candidates being considered as a replacement for Konsa, and the West Midlands outfit are understood to be confident of completing a deal in the coming days.
Other defenders on Aston Villa’s list
In addition to Ordonez, Aston Villa have been linked with Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo. However, it has recently become clearer that their main target is Southampton’s Harwood-Bellis, although the Saints previously rejected Villa’s opening offer.
Reports claim that Villa are progressing towards a deal for Harwood-Bellis, but it remains to be seen whether they intend to sign him alongside another centre-back such as Ordonez. Their pursuit of at least one centre-back is expected to accelerate once Southampton’s valuation of Harwood-Bellis becomes clear, or if Club Brugge signal openness to Ordonez at the mooted €45 million.