Liverpool-bound Joel Ordonez was reportedly recommended to Chelsea by Moises Caicedo and also earned praise from Aston Villa captain John McGinn. The 21-year-old is now set to join Liverpoolafter Chelsea appeared to overlook Caicedo's advice.

Ordonez could cost as much as £43million, though the initial fee is said to be around £35m. Liverpool's intention to add another centre-back for the 2025/26 campaign was hardly a secret, but their £35m pursuit of Marc Guehi fell apart at the last moment when Oliver Glasner was unable to secure a replacement in time.

Giovanni Leoni, who was signed instead, is currently enduring a season on the sidelines as a result of sustaining an ACL injury on his debut in September. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate is free to start talking to clubs overseas, having entered the final months of his contract on Merseyside.

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The Premier League-bound defender will arrive at Anfield with a glowing statement from McGinn. The Scotsman was left impressed with the Ecuadorian during Villa's Champions League encounter against Club Brugge last season.

"They were really organised. We couldn't really break them down," the midfielder said. "They let us have a lot of the ball and then they broke fast.

"They had a really good young right centre-back. I think he was from Ecuador. He was excellent, probably one of the best players in the park."

After emerging from Independiente del Valle's youth system in 2022, Ordonez made the switch to Club NXT before joining Club Brugge the following year. Since then, the defender has amassed 105 appearances for the Belgian side, including 15 outings in the Jupiler Pro League this season.

Ordonez could be the answer to the issues Arne Slot has faced in recent weeks. Liverpool have conceded 28 goals in 20 league games so far, leaving them fourth in the table and 14 points behind leaders Arsenal.

The Reds have also explored targets viewed as having significant long‑term potential. Austria Vienna centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe was identified as one of themand is expected to finalise his move to Anfield in the summer.

He is viewed by Liverpool's hierarchy as a major talent. Ndukwe, who turns 18 in March, has already drawn significant attention thanks to his impressive displays for both club and country.

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