Liverpool looks set to sign defensive reinforcements as key injuries have plagued defensive stability. The Reds missed on their prime target, Marc Guehi, in the summer after Crystal Palace pulled out of the move.
Liverpool are about to make their first major move of the January transfer window, as they are closing in on a deal for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez. Reports indicate the Premier League champions are finalising an agreement worth up to £43 million for the Ecuador international.
Liverpool’s defence situation
The 21-year-old centre-back has emerged as a primary target as Liverpool seek to address defensive concerns. The move follows a summer where a deadline-day deal for Marc Guehi collapsed and the season-ending ACL injury to young signing Giovanni Leoni. With Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation unresolved, strengthening the back line has become a pressing need.[smartframe_images_embed customer-id=”04742eb90cefa12a5e3ab9bae92c2b93″ image-id=”neim5U1bVoTq” style=”width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 4614px; aspect-ratio: 4614/3075;”]
According to reports by The Sun, the structure of the deal involves an initial fee of around £35 million, with add-ons potentially taking the total higher. The transfer would represent a significant early statement in the window, with Liverpool seeing off competition. Chelsea had shown interest but are understood to have withdrawn from the race, leaving the path clear for the Reds.
Latest on the Ordonez deal
For Ordonez, a move to Anfield would bring a substantial rise. South American outlet Bolavip reports the player is set to triple his current salary, earning close to £60,000 a week. “Negotiations have intensified, and Joel Ordonez is close to becoming a Liverpool player in the next European transfer window,” their report stated.[smartframe_images_embed customer-id=”84d65181a95c24c4fea73e44b4e27a17″ image-id=”ltKDBSbljriJ” style=”width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 4530px; aspect-ratio: 4530/3020;”]
The defender is no raw prospect. A product of the famed Independiente del Valle academy, Ordonez has already amassed considerable experience, winning the Belgian league and featuring in the Champions League over two seasons with Brugge. He is viewed internally as a long-term defensive solution capable of contributing immediately.
Why Marc Guehi is a difficult transfer to make?
This potential signing exists alongside the ongoing Guehi saga. While Liverpool maintains interest in the Crystal Palace captain, his transfer has become a difficult one. The club had previously agreed a deal with Crystal Palace for the English defender. However, the move didn’t materialize at the last moment. Now, Marc Guehi has invited fierce competition from clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich for the summer transfer window.
If completed, the transfer would give Arne Slot a much-needed defensive option at centre-back for the second half of the season as Liverpool aim to consolidate their top-four position.
