Chelsea battle Liverpool for defender keen on Premier League

Chelsea and Liverpool are interested in Joel Ordonez, who could be on the move as early as January, according to Belgian media.

The 20-year-old defender has become a star player for Club Brugge over the past two years. Signed from prolific talent factory Independiente della Valle in his native Ecuador in 2022, Ordonez has been a regular part of the first team since 2023.

A centre-back by trade, Ordonez is almost ever-present in Brugge’s side and a reliable servant to the club. Of course, his impressive performances have not gone unnoticed outside of Belgium.

READ MORE: Romelu Lukaku booed as Napoli striker struggles to pay Chelsea fee

First reported by Ecuadorian media and now confirmed by Het Laatste Nieuws, Chelsea and Liverpool are among the sides with a keen interest in the player.

It is claimed that both clubs have been scouting Ordonez and that a January move to the Premier League is a distinct possibility.

Ordonez excited about Premier League challenge

The player himself has admitted that he wouldn’t be averse to playing in England. “The Premier League, I would like that,” Ordonez is quoted as saying by HLN. However, he added: “I’m focused on Club [Brugge], with whom I want to win another title.”

Still, a January move is not out of the question, according to the report, though it is unclear how much the 20-year-old would cost in the winter window. But the interest in Ordonez is concrete as manager Nicky Hayen has also confirmed to the Belgian outlet.

READ MORE: Liverpool star sets off alarm bells with honest transfer admission

“That is ultimately what you want as a player,” he said. “What makes me happy is that Joel always does his job despite the interest. When that transfer will happen, you have no control over that. It could be in the winter window, but it could also be after this season, which we would prefer.”