Liverpool Turn to Ecuadorian Star Joel Ordóñez in Search for Defensive Reinforcement
Liverpool’s recruitment team are already setting the stage for a potentially decisive January transfer window, with Ecuadorian centre-back Joel Ordóñez emerging as a serious name under consideration. Despite spending close to £450 million last summer, there remains a feeling around Anfield that the squad lacks defensive balance and long-term stability at the back.
Defensive Vulnerabilities Forcing Liverpool’s Hand
Arne Slot’s first season at Liverpool has been a mixed one. His side have struggled for consistency, particularly away from home, where almost half their matches in 2025 have ended in defeat. The 3–0 loss to Manchester City last weekend highlighted familiar weaknesses: disorganisation under pressure and a lack of defensive resilience when facing elite opponents.
While Liverpool’s hierarchy continue to back Slot publicly, confidence among supporters has wavered. The club’s leadership maintains that there will be no managerial changes while Champions League qualification remains achievable, but privately, there is an awareness that defensive reinforcements may be needed sooner rather than later.
Joel Ordóñez: The Ecuadorian Prospect Impressing in Belgium
Joel Ordóñez, the 21-year-old Ecuadorian centre-back currently shining for Club Brugge, has drawn growing attention from Liverpool’s scouting network. Reports suggest that the club have sent representatives to watch the defender on several occasions this season, impressed by his maturity, reading of the game, and technical comfort on the ball.
Ordóñez has earned praise for his ability to play out from the back, an attribute that fits perfectly with Slot’s tactical philosophy. Standing tall and strong in the air, he combines athleticism with composure, showing the kind of modern defensive profile that Liverpool have often targeted in recent years.
Club Brugge value the player at around £35 million, and while Liverpool are not expected to move in January unless circumstances change, the club are believed to be closely monitoring his development ahead of a potential summer approach.
Ecuador’s recent emergence as a source of elite defensive talent – with players like Piero Hincapié flourishing in Europe – adds further intrigue to the link. Liverpool’s recruitment model, under the guidance of Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, is focused on identifying players in markets where value remains attainable. Ordóñez’s rapid progress in Belgium fits neatly into that approach.
Market Challenges and Transfer Timing
Liverpool’s sporting department is fully aware of the challenges presented by the January window. Clubs rarely part with key players mid-season, and valuations tend to rise significantly. While the Reds have historically struck gold in January — most notably with the signing of Virgil van Dijk — this window is likely to be about careful positioning rather than immediate spending.
Slot has reportedly outlined his preference for a defender who is comfortable operating both in a back four and a hybrid system that can adapt during games. Ordóñez’s versatility, with experience across multiple defensive roles, makes him a natural fit for that tactical flexibility.
At the same time, internal factors could shape Liverpool’s transfer priorities. Andy Robertson’s future remains uncertain, with no talks planned over a contract extension, while Ibrahima Konaté’s inconsistent form has opened up questions about depth and reliability. These developments underline why Liverpool are looking to expand their defensive options rather than wait for a crisis.
Long-Term Planning at Anfield
Liverpool’s transfer strategy remains defined by foresight rather than short-term reaction. Joel Ordóñez represents a move that aligns with the club’s data-led recruitment vision — young, talented, and adaptable. The Ecuadorian’s potential ceiling, coupled with his growing experience in European competition, makes him a player of serious interest.
Whether a formal offer arrives in January or the summer, Ordóñez’s name will be one to watch. For Liverpool, it’s about finding the right player at the right moment — and their scouts believe the next great centre-back might just hail from Ecuador.
