Liverpool are reportedly ready to spend over £35 million on Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez, viewing the young Ecuadorian as a strong alternative to Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.

According to Bolavip via Sport Witness, the Reds see Ordonez as an ideal long-term addition to Arne Slot’s back line.

Liverpool’s defence has looked shaky in recent weeks, prompting renewed focus on recruitment.

Their failure to secure Guehi in the summer now feels costly, with the Premier League champions conceding far too easily. Slot and the recruitment team are determined to fix that in January or next summer, and Ordonez has emerged as a priority.

Joel Ordonez attracting elite attention

The 21-year-old has been a standout performer for Club Brugge this season, impressing in both the Belgian Pro League and Champions League.

He has completed over 95% of his passes in Europe and averages five clearances and three tackles per game. His composure and ability to play out from the back have earned him praise across Europe.

Scout Jacek Kulig described him as “an impressively complete profile for a centre-back of his age,” suggesting he is destined for one of Europe’s top leagues soon. Inter Milan are also interested, but Liverpool’s financial power puts them in a stronger position.

With Ibrahima Konaté’s future uncertain amid Real Madrid links and Virgil van Dijk entering the latter stages of his career, Liverpool may ultimately need two new defenders. A move for both Guehi and Ordonez in 2026 would secure the Reds’ defensive future for years to come.