Liverpool are intensifying their search for a new central defender and have identified Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez as a key target, according to TEAMtalk. The move comes following the departure of Ibrahima Konate and with uncertainty surrounding the futures of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.
The appointment of Andoni Iraola as the new Liverpool manager is driving the need for defensive reinforcement, with the club actively assessing options to strengthen the position. The 22-year-old Ordonez has impressed during three seasons with Club Brugge and is widely expected to leave the Belgian side this summer.
Several other Premier League clubs are also monitoring Ordonez, including Chelsea and Manchester City, with both clubs’ ownership groups reportedly keen on the Ecuadorian international. Brugge are believed to be willing to negotiate a sale for a fee in the region of £40million.
Liverpool’s scouting team have been closely following Ordonez, believing he possesses the athleticism, composure, and aggressive defending style to succeed at Anfield. While Ordonez is a priority, Liverpool are also considering other options, including Benfica’s Antonio Silva and Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande. They are also evaluating Premier League-proven defenders such as Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke, Brentford’s Nathan Collins, and Burnley’s Maxime Esteve, as well as Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, though a move for van de Ven would be more complex.
The club is aiming to address the gap left by Konate’s exit and proactively plan for the long-term future of their defensive line, exploring a broad range of potential signings to ensure depth and quality.
