In one of his transfer updates on X, Ecuadorian journalist Chobo Alvarez has revealed how Liverpool are closing in on Joel Ordóñez. The Club Brugge centre-back is expected to part ways in the coming days, with the champions of England ready to pay £35m plus £8m in bonuses to secure his services.
Horas claves para que se cierre la operación de Joel Ordóñez al Liverpool. El club inglés estaría dispuesto a poner sobre la mesa un total de £43M por la ficha del defensor ecuatoriano, £35M iniciales más £8M de bonus. Club Brujas habría decidido venderlo en este mercado invernal… pic.twitter.com/6X4SKkBPUt
— Chobo Alvarez V. (@ChoboAlvarez) January 2, 2026
The 21-year-old Ecuador international progressed through the academy ranks of Deportivo Azogues and Independiente del Valle back in his homeland before breaking into the latter’s first-team squad. After a handful of senior appearances, the youngster was roped in by the Belgian heavyweights for a fee of around €3.90m.
After an impressive 2022-23 season for the reserves in the Challenger Pro League, Ordóñez was promoted to their senior side from the next season onwards. Soon, he made his presence known in the heart of the backline, having featured more than 100 times already for the Blue-Black.
Why Liverpool Must Bolster The Backline By Snapping Up The Young Defender
Liverpool have struggled under Arne Slot despite a strong start to their title defence. They are fighting for a ‘top four’ spot to retain their Champions League status, but their performances are nowhere near the level set by the Dutchman himself for the majority of the previous campaign. A squad overhaul in the summer did not help them either, particularly in the defensive third, as they lack options amid injuries to Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni.
Slot is heavily reliant on skipper Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, even though the latter could part ways in June, having refused to pen a contract extension despite multiple offers from the Merseysiders. His high-profile errors cost them points on several occasions, but the gaffer has been left with no choice but to rely on the Frenchman, as the academy prospects Amara Nallo and Wellity Lucky are not ready yet for regular Premier League football.
