Liverpool’s January plans are heating up — and Arne Slot may be about to land one of Europe’s most exciting young defenders.
According to fresh reports from Ecuador, the Reds are ready to offer Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez a £50,000-per-week deal — a contract worth over €3 million per year — as part of a £35 million transfer swoop when the window opens.
Yes, you read that right — the Merseyside giants are already in advanced talks over personal terms, setting the stage for what could become one of the Premier League’s most talked-about winter moves.
The 21-year-old Ecuadorian starlet has been on Liverpool’s radar for months, and now it seems Arne Slot is ready to push the button on a signing that could define the club’s defensive future.
Liverpool’s Defensive Dilemma — and Why Ordonez Fits the Plan
For all of Liverpool’s attacking flair, their biggest question mark this season has come at the back.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté have been outstanding on their day — but both have battled injuries, fatigue, and inconsistency. Slot knows his title hopes depend on tightening the defensive wall, especially with the relentless pace of Arsenal and Manchester City at the top.
That’s why Ordonez isn’t just a signing — he’s a statement.
Standing tall at 6’3″, the Ecuadorian is a modern-day centre-back — athletic, aggressive, and technically polished. His composure under pressure and natural timing in challenges have made him one of Europe’s hottest defensive prospects.
While still relatively inexperienced at the elite level, Ordonez’s performances for Club Brugge have caught the eye of scouts across the continent. The youngster blends raw South American fire with European tactical discipline — the kind of hybrid Liverpool’s backline has been missing since their Champions League-winning days.
The Contract That Turned Heads
Reports from Bolavip claim Liverpool are ready to make Ordonez one of the best-paid under-23 defenders in Belgium with a £50,000-per-week salary offer — a huge leap from his current wages at Club Brugge.
For context, that figure puts him just behind Ibrahima Konaté, who earns around £70,000 a week, according to Capology.
It’s a signal that Liverpool aren’t just scouting for the future — they’re planning for immediate impact.
In a market where young defenders are skyrocketing in value, the Reds are determined not to be left behind.
A £35 Million Gamble — Or a Masterstroke?
The transfer fee being discussed — around £35 million (€40m) — might seem steep for a 21-year-old who has never played Premier League football.
But Liverpool’s recruitment team has built its reputation on spotting potential before the rest of Europe catches on.
From Luis Díaz to Darwin Núñez, and even Dominik Szoboszlai, the Reds have shown they’re willing to pay for talent that fits the system.
Ordonez’s ball-playing ability, recovery pace, and positional discipline all align perfectly with Slot’s vision of a proactive, high-pressing defense.
The Dutch coach has reportedly been pushing for defensive reinforcements since September, frustrated by the lack of depth beyond his starting duo. With Joel Matip gone and Joe Gomez shifting between full-back and centre-half roles, a new central figure is exactly what Liverpool’s backline needs.
Who Is Joel Ordonez?
Born in Ecuador, Joel Steven Ordonez Valencia rose through the ranks with Independiente del Valle — a club famed for producing technically gifted defenders.
After making waves in the Ecuadorian Serie A, he joined Club Brugge in 2023, quickly earning a reputation as a fearless tackler with natural leadership traits.
This season, he’s become a key figure for the Belgian side — commanding in the air, calm under pressure, and quick on the turn. Scouts praise his ability to anticipate danger and step forward with the ball, traits reminiscent of a young Van Dijk.
No wonder top clubs across Europe have been circling.
Liverpool’s Rivals: Chelsea, Spurs, and Inter Milan Lurking
Liverpool aren’t the only ones interested. Back in August, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Aston Villa were all monitoring Ordonez’s situation.
And now, as the January window approaches, Bolavip reports that Inter Milan have entered the race too.
But here’s the catch — the Italian giants are reportedly hesitant to meet Club Brugge’s £35 million valuation. That gives Liverpool a massive advantage.
With Premier League spending power and the lure of Anfield, the Reds are seen as clear favorites to secure his signature.
Sources close to the deal suggest that Ordonez’s camp views Liverpool as “the perfect next step” — a place where he can develop under Slot and learn directly from leaders like Van Dijk.
Why Liverpool Fans Should Be Excited
If this deal goes through, Liverpool could be getting one of the most promising defenders in world football.
At just 21, Ordonez already shows the maturity of a seasoned professional. His ability to read the game, control the tempo, and launch attacks from deep would give Slot a flexible defensive option for both league and European matches.
He’s strong in duels, commanding in set pieces, and rarely loses focus — exactly the kind of player Liverpool have been missing when their starters are unavailable.
And with the club preparing to challenge on multiple fronts in 2025, depth in defense is no longer optional — it’s essential.
Adaptation Will Be Key
Of course, transitioning from Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League to the Premier League is no small leap.
Even the most talented defenders can struggle initially with the pace, physicality, and relentless tempo of English football.
Slot and his coaching staff are reportedly aware of this and plan to integrate Ordonez gradually — allowing him to learn the system, adapt to the rhythm, and develop chemistry with Van Dijk and Konaté before being thrown into the deep end.
If managed correctly, that period of adjustment could turn him from a gamble into a game-changer.
The Verdict: Liverpool’s Smartest January Move Yet?
This move has all the hallmarks of classic Liverpool business — smart, strategic, and forward-thinking.
While others chase big names for short-term gain, the Reds are quietly building the next generation.
Joel Ordonez might not be a household name yet — but neither was Andy Robertson when he arrived from Hull City, or Diogo Jota when he came from Wolves.
Now, both are vital to Liverpool’s success story.
At £35 million and £50,000 a week, Ordonez could easily become the next breakout star — and perhaps the man to carry Liverpool’s defensive legacy into a new era.
Arne Slot knows what’s at stake.
He doesn’t just need results — he needs renewal.
And Joel Ordonez might just be the fresh spark that reignites Liverpool’s fire.
