Who is Joel Ordonez? The £35m Ecuador Star Liverpool are poised to sign

Joel Ordonez has quickly become one of the most talked-about names of the January transfer window, with reports from Europe and South America claiming Liverpool are close to sealing a £35 million deal for the Club Brugge centre-back. But who exactly is Joel Ordonez, and why are the Premier League champions pushing so hard to sign him?

At just 21 years old, Ordonez has already built an impressive résumé in European football, emerging as one of Belgium’s most reliable young defenders and a rising star for the Ecuador national team.

Early Life and Youth Career in Ecuador

Born in Ecuador, Joel Ordóñez began his football journey with Deportivo Azogues before joining the famed academy of Independiente del Valle, a club renowned for producing elite South American talent. Independiente del Valle has previously developed players such as Moisés Caicedo, and Ordonez followed a similar path through their youth system.

He broke into the club’s first team at a young age, impressing with his physical presence, composure on the ball, and tactical intelligence, traits that soon attracted interest from Europe.

Rise at Club Brugge and European Experience

In 2023, Joel Ordonez secured a move to Club Brugge, one of Belgium’s most successful clubs. Since then, his development has been rapid and consistent. The defender has already made over 100 senior appearances for the Belgian champions, an extraordinary number for a player barely into his twenties.

He played a key role in Club Brugge’s Belgian league title in the 2023/24 season and has featured prominently in the UEFA Champions League, gaining valuable experience against Europe’s elite attackers. His Champions League exposure, including matches against clubs like Barcelona and Arsenal, has significantly boosted his reputation.

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Playing Style, Position, and Physical Attributes

Joel Ordonez is primarily a right-sided centre-back, standing at 1.88 metres (6ft 2in). He is known for his strength in aerial duels, calmness under pressure, and ability to play out from the back, qualities highly valued in modern defensive systems.

Although centre-back is his natural position, Ordonez has also been deployed at right-back when needed, showcasing tactical flexibility that appeals to top clubs.

International Career With Ecuador

Ordonez made his Ecuador senior national team debut in March 2024 and has since earned 14 international caps. He has featured regularly in competitive fixtures, further cementing his status as one of Ecuador’s most promising defenders.

His rapid rise at international level mirrors his club career and underlines why European giants are monitoring his progress closely.

Why Liverpool Want Joel Ordonez

Liverpool’s interest in Ordonez comes amid defensive uncertainty at Anfield. Giovanni Leoni’s season-ending ACL injury, ongoing fitness concerns around Joe Gomez, and uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation have left new head coach Arne Slot short of options at centre-back.

Reports suggest Liverpool are close to agreeing a deal worth around €40 million (£34.9m), with personal terms already finalised. Ordonez’s salary would reportedly rise to around £60,000 per week, placing him within Liverpool’s structured wage system.

Could Joel Ordonez Replace Other Transfer Targets?

The potential signing of Ordonez could affect Liverpool’s long-standing interest in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, whose proposed move collapsed last summer. While Guehi remains an option, possibly on a future free transfer, Ordonez would immediately strengthen Liverpool’s defensive depth.

Chelsea were also monitoring Ordonez but are believed to have withdrawn from the race, leaving Liverpool in pole position.

FAQ

Who is Joel Ordonez?

Joel Ordonez is a 21-year-old Ecuadorian international footballer who plays as a centre-back for Club Brugge and the Ecuador national team.

What position does Joel Ordonez play?

He primarily plays as a right-sided centre-back, but he can also operate at right-back when required.

How tall is Joel Ordonez?

Joel Ordonez stands at 1.88m (6ft 2in), making him strong in aerial battles.

How many appearances has Joel Ordonez made for Club Brugge?

He has made over 100 senior appearances for Club Brugge, including 18 Champions League matches.

How much is Joel Ordonez expected to cost Liverpool?

Reports suggest Liverpool are close to agreeing a deal worth around £35 million, with add-ons potentially increasing the final fee.

Has Joel Ordonez played in the Champions League?

Yes. Ordonez has featured in the UEFA Champions League for two consecutive seasons with Club Brugge.

When did Joel Ordonez debut for Ecuador?

He made his senior international debut for Ecuador in March 2024 and has earned 14 caps.

Why are Liverpool interested in Joel Ordonez?

Liverpool see Ordonez as a long-term defensive solution, especially amid injuries and contract uncertainty within their current back line.