Liverpool face battle with Chelsea for brilliant young centre-back

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Joel Ordóñez transfer race gathers pace as Liverpool move ahead of Chelsea

Joel Ordóñez has emerged as one of the most closely monitored defensive talents ahead of the January transfer window, with interest intensifying across Europe and Liverpool now positioned prominently in the race. Chelsea, once considered a leading contender, have stepped away from active negotiations, opening the door for others to push forward.

The Ecuador international has enjoyed a sharp rise in profile over the past 18 months, developing into a reliable and physically imposing centre-back. His performances have not gone unnoticed, particularly among clubs seeking defensive reinforcement mid-season. While several teams have tracked his progress, Liverpool’s interest has firmed up at a key moment.

Liverpool stance strengthens amid defensive focus

Liverpool’s recruitment team have been assessing centre-back options as part of a wider review of defensive consistency. Errors at the back have been costly during stretches of the campaign, and there is an acceptance internally that fresh competition could be required to stabilise results across multiple competitions.

Ordóñez fits a profile Liverpool have targeted in recent windows: young, physically strong, comfortable defending space, and already exposed to European football. The club view him as a player capable of adapting quickly to the intensity of the Premier League, while still offering long-term upside.

Although no agreement has been finalised, Liverpool are understood to be among the most proactive clubs monitoring developments. January is considered a realistic window for movement if the selling club’s valuation is met.

Chelsea withdraw from negotiations

Chelsea had previously been seen as a potential destination and, at one stage, were viewed as Ordóñez’s preferred option. The defender had been open to a move to west London as part of his longer-term career planning. However, Chelsea have since cooled their interest, with focus shifting towards other priorities within their squad build.

This withdrawal has altered the landscape significantly. Without Chelsea driving the process, negotiations have become more streamlined, allowing Liverpool to advance discussions without direct domestic competition for the moment.

That said, Chelsea’s exit should not be mistaken for a definitive end to their interest. Market conditions and player availability could yet prompt a reassessment later in the window, though current indications suggest they are unlikely to lead any renewed pursuit.

Inter Milan monitoring situation closely

Inter Milan remain firmly attentive and are prepared to enter the race should circumstances allow. The Serie A side have been planning a gradual refresh of their defensive unit and see Ordóñez as a player who could fit seamlessly into their system.

Inter’s interest dates back to the early part of the season, and they are understood to have completed extensive scouting. Should Liverpool hesitate or negotiations stall, Inter would be well placed to make a formal approach.

However, competition is not solely between buying clubs. Much will depend on the stance of Club Brugge, who have shown themselves to be firm negotiators in previous windows and are under no immediate pressure to sell.

Valuation and season performance

Ordóñez has featured regularly this season, making 23 appearances across competitions and registering one goal in just over 1,800 minutes of football. While he did not begin the campaign as an automatic starter due to earlier transfer uncertainty, he has since established himself as a consistent presence in defence.

His current market valuation sits around €28 million, though any January deal is expected to require a significantly higher fee, potentially exceeding €40 million. That figure would place him among the most expensive defensive exports in Belgian football history.

From Liverpool’s perspective, the fee reflects both current ability and projected development. At 20 years old, Ordóñez is viewed as an asset whose value could grow substantially with Premier League exposure.

As January approaches, Liverpool appear best positioned, Chelsea remain on the sidelines, and Inter are ready to move if the opportunity arises. The next few weeks are likely to determine whether Joel Ordóñez makes the step to England, Italy, or remains in Belgium until the summer.

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