Joel Ordonez has agreed personal terms with Aston Villa, with negotiations over a transfer fee now advancing between the Premier League club and Club Brugge.
Joel Ordonez has agreed personal terms with Aston Villa, with negotiations over a transfer fee now advancing between the Premier League club and Club Brugge, according to a report by TEAMtalk, as the deal is progressing in the background as Unai Emery urgently seeks defensive reinforcements.
Aston Villa suffered a shock 4–0 defeat away to Brighton in their opening Premier League match, with Joao Gomes sent off before half-time, highlighting the West Midlands club’s immediate need for defensive reinforcements as the transfer window closes.
Villa recently sold Ezri Konsa to Arsenal and have been searching for a long-term replacement for the English international. The Villans are also closing in on a deal for Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis after an earlier bid was rejected.
Club Brugge’s valuation and Ordonez’s fitness status
Aston Villa have recently expressed interest in Ordonez, who has been a regular starter for 2025/26 Belgian Pro League champions Club Brugge. The Ecuadorian defender has made more than 120 appearances for the club in all competitions and has gained experience in European competitions, including the Champions League.
The defender attracted interest from several clubs earlier in the summer, but Aston Villa now appear to be among the strongest contenders for his signature. The Belgian club are believed to be demanding at least £43 million for Ordonez, who is under contract until 2029, giving Brugge a strong negotiating position.
According to Belgian outlet Gazet van Antwerpen, talks are progressing between Aston Villa and Club Brugge, though the two clubs have not yet reached an agreement over the transfer fee.
Signing Ordonez is key for Aston Villa
Completing a deal for Ordonez alongside a move for Harwood-Bellis would provide Aston Villa with important reinforcement in central defence following Konsa’s departure. The Ecuadorian defender’s physical presence, one-on-one defending, and Champions League experience would bolster Emery’s options for a demanding campaign, while his injury timeline allows the club to manage squad rotation through the busy autumn fixture schedule.
Club Brugge’s £43 million valuation and Ordonez’s contract length until 2029 remain barriers to completion, though the player’s preference for a move to Villa Park offers Emery’s side negotiating leverage as final discussions continue.
