Liverpool ‘closing in’ on £35 million Ecuadorian centreback

Last Updated on 1 January 2026

Of all the teams in the top half of the Premier League currently, only Manchester United have conceded more goals than defending champions, Liverpool.

The backline has not been altered much from the successful 2024/25 campaign with the exception of Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving. However, Liverpool look significantly shaky at the back.

Speculation continues to mount over Ibrahima Konate’s future at Merseyside. He is free to talk to clubs outside of England with his contract set to run out in summer of 2026. As a result, Reds are open to defensive signings and could be closing in on a centreback.

Joel Ordonez ‘close’ to finalizing a move to Liverpool; reports in South America

Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge is one of the most promising defensive prospects in world football, right now. Chelsea were linked with the 21-year-old but according to rumours in South America, the Blues have ended their interest in Ordonez.

According to Tera Deportes, Liverpool have stolen a march on other suitors in the race to sign the young centreback. Given their frailties at the back, it’s hardly a surprise that Liverpool are in the market for a centreback.

The fee is expected to be in the region of £35 million with Club Brugge open to the sale.

After all, their move for Marc Guehi collapsed on the deadline day while Giovanni Leoni is set to miss the entire season with an ACL injury.

Is Joel Ordonez the answer to Liverpool’s defensive woes?

Joel Ordonez seems more like a signing for the future rather than a plug-and-play option for Liverpool, currently.

A smart centreback, who reads the game well and is not too shabby on the ball. However, at 21, Ordonez can’t be expected to come in and start games for Liverpool. They should make a move for Guehi, regardless of their interest in Ordonez.

Club Brugge have conceded the third fewest goals in the Belgian Pro League with Ordonez featuring in 15 of their 20 games so far. Capped 14 times by his national side, Ordonez has all the raw tools for becoming a great defender.

He stands at 6’2” and is commanding in the air. But, again, caution is advised because the jump from the Belgian Pro League to the Premier League is too big.