Ordonez Rising, Liverpool Evaluating South America’s Next Defensive Wave
Liverpool’s search for long term defensive reinforcement has gained clarity, and Lewis Steele’s latest insight for the Daily Mail lays out a fascinating direction of travel. His revelation that not one but two Ordonez defenders are being tracked offers a sharp glimpse into Anfield’s recruitment thinking at a time when the squad is stretched and performances are inconsistent.
Slot’s side have lost seven of their last ten matches, and as Steele noted, many supporters welcomed the pause in fixtures. The long term injury to Giovanni Leoni has only intensified concerns around depth. The line from his report could not have been clearer: “Given the long term injury to fourth choice centre back Giovanni Leoni, I think it is imperative that Liverpool sign another defender.” That sentiment has only grown louder.
Joel Ordonez Scouted As A Ready Option
Steele confirmed that “Joel Ordonez, at Club Bruges, has been scouted,” and those familiar with the 20 year old’s development will understand why. Since arriving in Belgium in 2023, he has established himself as a composed, technically assured centre half who reads danger early and carries a presence in duels.
Recruitment staff value defenders who can step into a high line and recover quickly, and Ordonez fits that mould. One youth scout, according to Steele, described him as “a player with the temperament of someone much older.” Liverpool have monitored him several times this season with growing admiration. Rumoured to be priced at around £25m, which is 2025 is very reasonable for an exciting young defender.
In a market where established defenders command inflated fees, the ability to identify emerging talent before the curve is a competitive advantage. Ordonez represents exactly that.
Deinner Ordonez Tagged As Elite Potential
Steele’s piece added a second layer with the introduction of Deinner Ordonez, the latest standout from Independiente del Valle’s prolific talent factory. The academy that produced Moises Caicedo and Kendry Paez has built its reputation on elite development, and scouts believe Deinner is tracking at a similar level.
Steele wrote that “youth scouts have mentioned him as the best player of his age group in the whole of South America.” That is not a description handed out lightly. Liverpool have long pursued high ceiling teenagers, and Deinner fits the profile of a long term project with enormous upside.
Chelsea, who have made South American recruitment a priority, are also watching him closely, but Liverpool’s assessment appears far more advanced.
Defensive Planning Beyond January
While Steele stated that January activity “is more unlikely than likely at this stage,” the monitoring of both Ordonez players highlights a strategy beyond a short term patch job. Slot has already shown a commitment to youth, and the club intends to reshape the next generation of defenders around players who can grow into the system rather than merely fill gaps.
Defensive stability has defined every successful Liverpool era. The identification of the two Ordonez talents shows early groundwork for the next cycle.
Our View, Anfield Index Analysis
Supporters reading Steele’s report will likely feel a mix of excitement and unease. The excitement comes from hearing that Liverpool are tracking two exceptional young defenders who could shape the club’s future. Joel Ordonez feels like someone who could arrive and compete quickly. He has the size, aggression and confidence in possession that Slot values. Fans have seen how vulnerable the team becomes whenever Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konate miss games, so another senior ready option sounds essential.
The unease comes from the admission that a January signing is still considered unlikely. With results dipping and Leoni injured long term, the squad feels stretched and supporters may fear the club are gambling by waiting until the summer. Fans would also be concerned that other clubs, especially Chelsea, could move more aggressively for Deinner Ordonez. Liverpool have missed out on several South American prospects in recent years and patience does not always win those battles.
The hope among fans will be that the club do not overthink this. Both Ordonez players fit the age profile, financial profile and playing style Liverpool want. Supporters would be delighted to see at least one deal accelerated rather than merely monitored. If Slot can win the title in his debut season, he deserves a defensive structure capable of sustaining success.
