Crystal Palace are moving quickly to sign Joel Ordonez, having hijacked Aston Villa's pursuit of the Club Brugge defender. Talks are now underway over a deal.
Ordonez had long been expected to leave Brugge this summer. The Ecuadorian could become the next centre-back arrival at Selhurst Park, following Axel Disasi, and is believed to be interested in moving to the Premier League.
Career and International Pedigree
Ordonez came through the academy at Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle, which produced the majority of Ecuador's 26-man World Cup squad. He made three appearances for Ecuador at the World Cup before they were eliminated by Mexico in the last 32.
The centre-back signed for Club Brugge in 2023 and has since made 83 league appearances, scoring four times. He was also a regular in the side's Champions League campaigns over the past two seasons, scoring against Atletico Madrid in February.
Brugge Sales and Palace Departures
His transfer would mark Club Brugge's second high-profile sale to the Premier League this summer, with Ordonez following Christos Tzolis, now of Arsenal, out of the club.
Further movement at Selhurst Park may occur before the transfer window closes on Tuesday evening. Senegal winger Ismaila Sarr has been linked with a move away, with Liverpool and Galatasaray reportedly interested, while striker Jean-Philippe Mateta may also depart. Aston Villa had a bid for Mateta rejected this week, and Pierre Sage is adamant that both he and Sarr will remain Crystal Palace players by the end of the summer.
