Liverpool are nearing a £43million deal for Joel Ordonez while facing stiff competition from Real Madrid for long-term defensive target Marc Guehi.
Liverpool are reportedly closing in on a £43million deal for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez as Arne Slot looks to bolster a backline struggling for consistency.
The 21-year-old Ecuadorian is expected to join for an initial £35m plus add-ons, potentially taking the club’s seasonal spending near £500m.
The move comes as Ibrahima Konate faces a dip in form and a likely summer departure from Anfield.
While Ordonez nears a move, Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Guehi has hit a complication involving Real Madrid.
The Crystal Palace captain is reportedly open to options, with Spanish media suggesting a move to the Bernabeu is his “dream” destination.
According to AS, Guehi is willing to “choose the best fit” in the summer, provided the Spanish giants can offer him the assurance of regular first-team football.
The urgency for defensive reinforcements follows a disappointing New Year’s Day draw with Leeds that left the title holders 12 points off the pace.
With Guehi’s contract expiring at the end of the season, Liverpool remain frontrunners, but Madrid’s interest could scupper a long-standing agreement.
It remains unclear if Ordonez is a direct alternative to Guehi or a necessary addition to address recent injury concerns and squad depth.