Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a significant January move for Club Brugge's promising centre-back, Joel Ordonez, with a potential fee of around £43 million being discussed.
From Aspiring Striker to Defensive Target
The 21-year-old Ecuadorian international has emerged as a key defensive target for manager Arne Slot and the Anfield recruitment team. This comes after Liverpool's failed summer attempt to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace for £35 million, which left Giovanni Leoni as their only central defensive addition.
Intriguingly, Ordonez's path to becoming a highly-rated defender was not straightforward. His former youth coach, Luis Medina, has revealed that the player initially harboured dreams of leading the line as a striker.
"Joel was a quiet, very thin, silent boy," Medina told Diario Expreso. "He was actually a striker, and now he might go to Liverpool as a defender. There are things God does that one doesn't understand."
Coach's Intervention Proves Pivotal
Medina explained that Ordonez was inspired by compatriot Enner Valencia's three-goal haul at the 2014 World Cup and wanted to emulate him. However, the coach saw greater potential in the youngster's defensive attributes, despite his lack of experience in the role.
"I felt he could be a great defender because he was strong in one-on-one situations, positioned himself well, and won duels," Medina said. "He marked well even without having the basics of a defender."
The coach recalled a decisive conversation: "He told me he wanted to score goals, and I replied that he could prevent them on defence, and that scoring goals was too much responsibility." This guidance set Ordonez on the path to becoming the player now coveted by Liverpool.
January Race Against Time and Rivals
Liverpool have until February 2 to conclude any transfer business during this winter window. Reports suggest the deal for Ordonez could be completed this month for approximately £43 million, or alternatively be pursued in the summer if an agreement cannot be reached before the deadline.
The Reds' defensive reinforcements are not guaranteed, however. The club has also been linked with moves for Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo and a renewed attempt for Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi. Notably, Manchester City are now also reportedly interested in both Guehi and Semenyo, setting up a potential transfer battle.
Ordonez's performances for Club Brugge this season have clearly made an impression, positioning him as a viable solution to Liverpool's search for defensive depth as they navigate the second half of the campaign.
