Joel Ordóñez Closing in on Liverpool Move as Salary and Valuation Come Into Focus
Liverpool’s interest in Joel Ordóñez has moved from background noise – according to Gustavo Davilla in Bolavip – to a credible market discussion, with the Ecuador international defender now positioned as a serious candidate for a Premier League transfer. Negotiations around the 21-year-old have gathered pace ahead of the next European window, and clarity is emerging around both his prospective salary at Anfield and his broader market value.
Ordóñez, currently with Club Brugge, is viewed as a high-upside defensive option, combining age profile, physical development and international experience. Liverpool’s recruitment model continues to prioritise players capable of growing into elite contributors rather than finished superstars, and the centre-back fits that brief closely.
Liverpool salary structure and Ordóñez projection
Should the move progress to completion, Ordóñez is expected to earn in the region of $4 million per year in salary at Liverpool. That figure would represent a significant increase on his current earnings in Belgium, reportedly close to three times his existing deal at Club Brugge.
While the number places him comfortably within Liverpool’s first-team wage bracket, it remains well below the club’s top earners. The hierarchy at Anfield is carefully maintained, with age, role and experience all factored into contractual decisions. Ordóñez’s projected salary reflects both his potential and his current standing as a developing rather than established Premier League defender.
From Liverpool’s perspective, this balance is critical. The club have consistently avoided destabilising their wage structure, instead preferring incremental rises tied to performance and progression. Ordóñez would arrive with room to grow, both on the pitch and financially, aligning neatly with that approach.
Transfer valuation and market competition
Club Brugge are understood to value Ordóñez at close to €40 million, a figure that would place him among the most expensive Ecuadorian players in history. That valuation is informed not only by his age and contract status, but also by his increasing prominence at international level and his regular involvement across domestic and European competitions.
Inter Milan have also been monitoring the situation, while Chelsea previously explored the possibility of a move before falling short of Brugge’s financial expectations. Liverpool’s advantage may lie in timing and clarity, with the club prepared to move decisively if internal assessments align with the asking price.
There is also a wider strategic consideration. A transfer completed before the 2026 World Cup could represent value if Ordóñez continues his upward trajectory. Post-tournament inflation is a familiar phenomenon, particularly for defenders who perform well on the international stage, and Brugge are aware that patience could drive the fee higher.
Performance data underlining Liverpool interest
Ordóñez’s current campaign has provided further justification for the growing interest. Across all competitions this season, he has made 22 appearances, accumulating more than 1,700 minutes of football. While his attacking output is modest, with one goal and no assists, his primary contribution has been consistency and availability.
After a disrupted period earlier in his career, including a failed transfer to France, Ordóñez has re-established himself as a reliable starter. His physical profile, aerial presence and improving distribution have been noted by scouts tracking defensive prospects capable of adapting to the Premier League’s demands.
For Liverpool, durability and learning capacity are key metrics. Ordóñez’s ability to play regularly at a high level, while still refining his game, strengthens the case for a move.
Strategic fit ahead of 2026 cycle
Ordóñez is already a regular call-up for Ecuador and is expected to feature prominently in the build-up to the 2026 World Cup. That international exposure adds another layer of appeal, particularly for a Liverpool side conscious of squad planning across multiple competitions.
From a sporting perspective, the move would represent a significant step in Ordóñez’s career. From a financial standpoint, it would see Liverpool investing in a defender whose peak years remain ahead. The coming weeks are likely to determine whether interest turns into action, but the framework for a deal is now clearly defined.
As things stand, Liverpool and Inter Milan remain the two most serious suitors. With Brugge open to negotiations at the right price, Ordóñez’s future looks increasingly likely to be decided sooner rather than later.
