Liverpool Eye €40m Move for Club Brugge’s Rising Star Joel Ordóñez
Liverpool’s recruitment team are understood to be closely monitoring Club Brugge’s Ecuadorian defender Joel Ordóñez, with reports in South America suggesting the Reds could make a formal approach ahead of the January transfer window.
Defensive Reinforcement Under Consideration
With Arne Slot’s Liverpool side conceding 14 goals in their opening nine Premier League fixtures, the need for fresh defensive options has become increasingly clear. The long-term injury suffered by Giovanni Leoni has only deepened concerns about squad depth, leaving the club to reassess their backline priorities earlier than planned.
Ordóñez, currently starring for Club Brugge in Belgium’s Pro League, has emerged as a primary target. The 21-year-old has developed into one of Europe’s standout young defenders, combining physical strength, intelligent positioning, and confidence in possession. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with scouts from major European clubs tracking his progress since his move to Brugge in 2022.
From Ecuador to Belgium’s Elite
Having joined Club Brugge from Independiente del Valle for around €4 million, Ordóñez’s rapid rise has been impressive. He has already surpassed 90 senior appearances for the Belgian club and signed a contract extension in September that runs until 2029 – a move designed to protect his value amid growing external interest.
Standing at 1.88 metres, the Ecuadorian has earned international recognition and become a key figure for Brugge, both domestically and in European competition. His ability to carry the ball out from defence, distribute with precision, and remain composed under pressure has drawn particular praise from analysts and coaches alike.
According to journalist José Cedeño Mendoza, Brugge would demand a fee in the region of €40 million for any potential transfer, while the player’s salary expectations would exceed €3 million per season. Liverpool’s willingness to meet those figures remains to be seen, but such investment would be consistent with their recruitment strategy of targeting high-potential players capable of long-term development.
Data Suggests Premier League Potential
Underlying metrics strengthen the case for Liverpool’s interest. According to FBref data, Ordóñez ranks among the top percentile of defenders across Europe’s next 14 competitions for several key passing indicators. He boasts a 91.3% pass completion rate (94th percentile), attempts over 65 passes per match (81st percentile), and delivers 4.47 progressive passes per 90 minutes (85th percentile).
These statistics underline his suitability for Slot’s possession-based style, which relies heavily on defenders initiating build-up play. Ordóñez’s ability to transition quickly and play through the lines aligns with the tactical demands of Liverpool’s system – particularly as they seek to control games more effectively from the back.
Strategic Fit for Slot’s Vision
Liverpool’s pursuit of Ordóñez reflects a broader plan to refresh their defensive options with youth and versatility. The club have been cautious in identifying profiles that blend technical ability with maturity, and the Ecuadorian fits that model perfectly.
While Brugge are under no financial pressure to sell, the Premier League’s appeal – coupled with Liverpool’s status as a global powerhouse – could yet tempt both player and club into negotiations. Should an offer in excess of €40 million materialise, a January move cannot be ruled out.
For Liverpool, Ordóñez represents both a short-term solution to defensive instability and a long-term investment in elite potential – a strategy that has underpinned much of their recruitment success in recent years.
