Liverpool now favourites to sign £35m defender

Liverpool are quietly moving closer to another important signing, and this time the focus is on the heart of their defence. As the January transfer window approaches, the club’s long-term plan is starting to become clear, and one name keeps coming up behind the scenes. Joel Ordonez is no longer just a player being watched. He is now a serious target, and Liverpool are believed to be in a strong position to make the deal happen. Sources close to the situation suggest that Liverpool are now favourites to sign the Ecuadorian centre-back, with a potential fee of around £35 million being discussed.
This is not a sudden move or a panic reaction. Liverpool have been planning this for a long time. The club’s recruitment team have been tracking Ordonez for months, watching his development closely in Belgium and monitoring his progress in both domestic matches and European competitions. Every performance has added to the feeling inside Anfield that this is a player who fits the future direction of the club. He is young, strong, calm on the ball, and already experienced beyond his years.
Liverpool’s defensive situation is stable on the surface, but the club knows football does not stand still. Contracts expire, players age, injuries happen, and the demands of competing at the highest level never stop. That is why planning for the future is just as important as focusing on the present. Inside the club, there is a clear understanding that central defence will soon need fresh energy. Joel Ordonez is seen as the kind of defender who can grow into the role rather than simply fill a gap.
At just a young age, Ordonez has already shown maturity that many defenders only develop later in their careers. He is physically imposing, strong in the air, and comfortable in one-on-one situations. More importantly, he reads the game well. He knows when to step forward, when to drop deep, and how to position himself against quick and intelligent attackers. These are qualities Liverpool value highly, especially in a system that often asks defenders to play high up the pitch.
Liverpool’s style demands bravery from their centre-backs. They must defend large spaces, stay calm under pressure, and start attacks from the back. Ordonez has proven he can do all of this. His passing may not always grab headlines, but it is reliable and effective. He keeps the ball moving, breaks lines when needed, and does not panic when pressed. For Liverpool, this composure is just as important as physical strength.
His rise in Belgium has not gone unnoticed across Europe. Several clubs have been monitoring him, aware that his value is rising quickly. However, Liverpool’s advantage lies in preparation. They have done the work early, building a detailed profile of the player and understanding exactly how he would fit into the squad. This level of planning gives them confidence if they decide to move forward decisively.
International football has also played a key role in Ordonez’s development. Representing Ecuador has exposed him to different styles, systems, and levels of intensity. Facing strong opponents has accelerated his learning and hardened his mentality. Liverpool believe this experience will help him adapt faster to the demands of the Premier League, which is widely regarded as one of the toughest leagues in the world for defenders.
Financially, Liverpool know this will not be a cheap deal. Ordonez is under a long-term contract, and his club are in no rush to sell. A fee around £35 million reflects both his current ability and his potential. For Liverpool, this kind of investment makes sense if the player can serve the club for many years. The focus is not just on immediate impact but on building a squad that can compete consistently at the highest level.
Competition from other European clubs is real, but Liverpool believe their project stands out. The club can offer a clear development pathway, regular exposure to elite football, and the chance to work under a manager known for improving players. That combination is often very attractive to young talents looking to take the next step in their careers.
As January approaches, Liverpool are keeping their options open. They are not rushing, but they are ready. If internal discussions conclude that defensive reinforcement is needed sooner rather than later, Joel Ordonez is one of the first names on the list. The groundwork has already been done, and that puts Liverpool in a strong position.
Even if the move does not happen immediately, the interest is genuine. Liverpool are not acting on rumours or hype. This is a calculated decision based on data, scouting, and long-term vision. Every report suggests that Ordonez fits the profile Liverpool are looking for as they plan the next phase of their defensive evolution.
What makes this situation interesting is how quietly it has developed. There has been no loud media campaign or dramatic leaks. Instead, Liverpool have worked in the background, doing what they do best. This calm approach has defined their recent recruitment strategy and has often paid off.
Fans may not see the full picture yet, but signs are there. Liverpool are thinking ahead. They are preparing for changes before those changes become urgent. Joel Ordonez represents more than just a potential signing. He represents the club’s commitment to smart planning and sustainable success.
As the transfer window opens, attention will naturally increase. Rumours will grow, speculation will intensify, and pressure will rise. But Liverpool are comfortable in this position. They know their targets, they know their budget, and they know what they want from any new signing.
For Joel Ordonez, the opportunity could be life-changing. A move to Anfield would place him on one of the biggest stages in world football. It would challenge him, test him, and push him to improve. Liverpool believe he is ready for that challenge, even if the final decision has not yet been made.
One thing is clear. Liverpool’s interest is serious, informed, and strategic. As the days count down to January, the situation is expected to develop further. Whether the deal is completed immediately or remains part of a longer plan, Joel Ordonez is firmly on Liverpool’s radar.
The story is not just about a transfer. It is about vision, patience, and preparation. Liverpool are building for tomorrow while competing today, and that balance could once again prove decisive. If Ordonez does arrive at Anfield, it will not be by accident. It will be the result of months of careful planning and belief in a young defender’s future.
And as Liverpool fans wait to see what the window brings, one thing can be said with confidence. The club is moving with purpose, and the foundations for the next generation of Liverpool’s defence are already being laid.














