Liverpool Transfer News: Joel Ordonez Opens Door to Anfield Move | £35m Deal?

Liverpool Defensive Reinforcements on the Horizon as Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez Expresses Anfield Desire

The search for defensive reinforcements at Liverpool Football Club is intensifying, with Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez emerging as a potential summer target. The 21-year-old Ecuadorian international has publicly stated his affection for the Merseyside club and expressed a desire to play in the Premier League, opening the door for a possible transfer.

Liverpool’s need for defensive upgrades stems from the advancing age of Virgil van Dijk, who will turn 35 this summer and is entering the final 16 months of his contract. Uncertainty surrounding the future of Ibrahima Konate, currently a free agent in a matter of weeks, further complicates the situation, potentially requiring the Reds to sign one or two new central defenders in the coming months.

While Liverpool brought in Giovanni Leoni last summer as a prospect for the future, and are also planning for the arrival of Jeremy Jacquet, the club is actively exploring more immediate options. Despite presenting what sources describe as their “biggest offer yet” to Konate, the possibility of losing a key player to a rival like Real Madrid remains a concern.

Ordonez’s admission of support for Liverpool as a child, coupled with his openness to a move to England, has positioned him as a viable candidate. Speaking to Gazet Van Antwerpen, Ordonez stated, “It would be great if I could proceed to the Premier League. That’s my favourite league, and given my size, it should suit me well. “As a kid, I was a big Liverpool fan, too.”

The versatile defender, who helped Brugge reach the Champions League play-off round before being eliminated by Atletico Madrid, is capable of playing both centre-half and right-back. This adaptability makes him an appealing prospect, potentially offering an upgrade to Joe Gomez in the Liverpool squad, regardless of Konate’s situation.

However, Liverpool’s pursuit of Ordonez isn’t a new development. While reports surfaced in January suggesting a potential move following Marc Guehi’s transfer to Manchester City, sources at the time indicated that Liverpool were not actively pursuing the Ecuadorian. The club instead focused on securing the signing of Jacquet, who is set to join Anfield this summer.

Despite that earlier stance, recent updates suggest Liverpool continues to monitor Ordonez as a potential addition. The club has recently hired Laurens Paulussen, a scout formerly with Mechelen, to focus on identifying talent in Belgium and the Netherlands – a move that could be interpreted as a signal of increased interest in Ordonez.

While Ordonez is on Liverpool’s radar, other defensive targets are also being considered. Sources indicate that a move to bring Jarell Quansah back to Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen is currently considered more likely. The club is also reportedly “hot on the trail” of Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni, although his high price tag and the difficulty of securing his release present significant obstacles.

Ordonez is currently valued in the region of €40 million (£35m, $47m). The player himself has expressed frustration with a previously failed transfer attempt, revealing his disappointment when a January move to Crystal Palace fell through. “If opponents challenge me, I never react, but at that moment, I was really angry, yes,” he said. “Those had been stressful weeks, too. Yet I was able to quickly turn things around afterwards. I’m no longer sad about that missed transfer and I’m just happy to be here. Everything happens for a reason after all.”

Ordonez has also dismissed speculation linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia, stating his ambition to compete for trophies at the highest level and establish himself as a prominent player. “I also received an offer from Saudi Arabia (from Al-Hilal), but I’m not looking for that right now. I aim for to win trophies at the highest level and make a name for myself,” he concluded.

Beyond the central defensive search, Liverpool is also exploring other potential additions. The club is reportedly planning talks with Caleb Yirenkyi, aiming to convince him to join Anfield this summer, and is also considering a move for AS Monaco attacker Maghnes Akliouche. Sources confirm that Liverpool is giving serious consideration to re-signing Moussa Diaby, who previously played for Aston Villa and is now seeking an exit from Al-Ittihad.