Liverpool Eye €40m Ecuadorian Defender as January Reinforcements Take Shape
Liverpool’s defensive stability has come under scrutiny this season, with Arne Slot’s side conceding 14 goals in just nine Premier League matches. That figure has prompted growing urgency at Anfield, particularly after Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending ACL injury further reduced the squad’s depth at centre-back.
Ecuadorian Star on Liverpool’s Radar
According to BOLA VIP, Liverpool are closely monitoring Club Brugge’s Ecuadorian defender Joel Ordóñez, who has impressed in Belgium since his 2022 move from Independiente del Valle. The 21-year-old has already made over 90 appearances for Brugge and recently extended his contract until 2029, signalling his growing importance to the team.
Journalist Jose Cedeño Mendoza explained that “Joel Ordóñez attracted several teams from Europe in the last market. The Ecuadorian player was close to signing for Olympique de Marseille, but the operation did not take place.”
Now, Liverpool’s interest appears more concrete. As Cedeño Mendoza added, “The Ecuadorian centre-back, Joel Ordóñez, entered Liverpool’s plans for this market and for his signing to be effective, the English club would make an offer of more than the €40 million that Brugge want and would also offer the player a salary of more than €3 million per season.”
Ordóñez’s Rise and Reputation
Ordóñez’s physical profile and calmness in possession have earned him growing recognition. Standing at 1.88 metres, his aerial strength and reading of the game have seen him emerge as a key figure in Brugge’s defence. His performances have also been rewarded with senior international caps for Ecuador, underlining his rapid development.
Mendoza added, “The Ecuadorian centre-back has one of the best contracts in the squad after his renewal, but obviously the opportunity to make a leap to the Premier League can change everything.”
For Liverpool, whose defensive shape has occasionally looked vulnerable in transition, a composed and athletic defender of Ordóñez’s profile could provide a long-term solution.
Slot’s Defensive Planning Under Review
Arne Slot’s tactical setup relies on defenders who can build from the back with confidence, and Ordóñez’s composure and passing range make him an intriguing fit. While the fee of €40m represents a significant investment, the club’s recruitment model has often targeted young, high-ceiling talents capable of immediate adaptation and future resale value.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this link feels both ambitious and logical. The club have a track record of scouting South American talent early, and Joel Ordóñez fits the modern mould of what Arne Slot wants from a centre-half: technical skill, confidence on the ball, and athletic recovery speed.
At 21, Ordóñez would not be expected to displace Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konaté immediately, but he could offer much-needed cover and rotation options as fixtures intensify across multiple competitions. The €40m valuation might seem steep, yet Brugge have history of commanding strong fees for their players, and Liverpool’s recruitment team have shown willingness to invest in potential.
Fans would likely welcome such ambition in January, especially with the club juggling domestic and European demands. There’s also excitement in imagining a long-term successor to Van Dijk emerging from South America, following a well-scouted pathway that once brought talents like Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez to Anfield.
