Liverpool are on the verge of completing a £43 million transfer for Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez, with the deal expected to be finalised in the coming days. The 21-year-old Ecuadorian has been a target for the Reds, who have moved ahead after Chelsea withdrew from the race for his signature.
The initial fee is believed to be around £35 million, with add-ons potentially pushing the total to £43 million. Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been keen to strengthen his defensive options, particularly after a failed late bid for Marc Guehi in the summer and an ACL injury to young signing Giovanni Leoni.
Ordonez, who came through the youth system at Independiente del Valle, moved to Club NXT before joining Club Brugge in 2023. He has made 105 appearances for the Belgian side, including 15 in the Jupiler Pro League this season. Brugge currently sit second in the league with the second-best goal difference.
Liverpool's defensive issues have been evident this season, with the defending Premier League champions conceding 26 goals so far. Ibrahima Konate's contract expires at the end of the season, allowing him to speak to foreign clubs from January 1, while injuries to Jeremie Frimpong and Alisson have further disrupted the backline.
The Reds are also monitoring other defensive targets, including Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke and Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, whose contract is entering its final six months. Additionally, Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi has been linked with a move to Anfield.
