The Mail‘ Lewis Steele reported on Thursday that Liverpool were scouting youngster Ordonez from Independiente Del Valle.
Described as “the best player of his age group in all of South America”, the 16-year-old’s links first emerged in February when he represented Ecuador at the U20 Copa Sudamericana.
But while Liverpool may have been hoping to secure an early deal for Ordonez – who cannot move to Britain until January 2028, when he is 18 years old – those hopes have now been dashed.
Chelsea reaches agreement for Deinner Ordonez
It is now widely reported that Ordonez will join Chelsea instead, and transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano writes further X that the agreement was reached on Friday.
The youngster will remain at Independiente Del Valle for the next two years before officially moving to Stamford Bridge in early 2028.
This is due to post-Brexit rules banning signings under the age of 18 from outside the UK, although Chelsea’s deal is within the bounds of the law.
Ordonez replaces Kendry Paez, who made the same move during the summer transfer window before being loaned out to sister club Strasbourg.
Who Liverpool could target next: Eight centre-backs linked
It is understood that any deal for Ordonez would have been an addition rather than part of Liverpool’s immediate first-team plans, with the Premier League champions still expected to sign at least one new centre-back.
At senior level, the priority target is Crystal Palace Marc Guehiwho was on the verge of joining on deadline day, only for the London club to withdraw from negotiations.
Guehi will become a free agent at the end of the season and is still being promoted with a move to Anfield, but Liverpool have also been linked with a number of other centre-backs.
This includes Ordonez’s compatriot and namesake, Club Brugge Joel Ordóneztogether with that of Dortmund Nico SchlotterbeckBayern Munich Dayot UpamecanoWolfsburg Konstantinos Koulierakis and Sporting CP duo Ousmane Diomande And Zeno Debast.
Interestingly, Steele also noted the mention of Inter Milan Alessandro Bastoniwho could be lined up as a world-class replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool will continue to scour the market for opportunities to sign the best young talents as well, and it is believed they have already completed a deal for winger Sidy Barhama Ndiaye, 15, from Senegalese club Diambars FC.
Ndiaye won’t turn 18 until December 2027, meaning a possible move to the Premier League would take place in 2028.
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