Newcastle United are reportedly preparing to challenge both Liverpool and Aston Villa in the race to sign highly-rated Ecuadorian defender Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge.
The 21-year-old has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in European football, catching the attention of several Premier League clubs with his impressive form in Belgium and on the international stage.
Although a January transfer appears unlikely, Newcastle are expected to remain persistent in their pursuit of the talented centre-back as part of their long-term plans under Eddie Howe.
Ordonez, who plays for Belgian giants Club Brugge, has been on the radar of English clubs for some time. Earlier this year, Everton were reportedly close to making a move for the Ecuador international, but negotiations between the clubs never progressed into a concrete deal.
Since then, Ordonez’s profile has risen considerably, with his consistent performances in both domestic and European competitions making him one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe.
Now, Newcastle, Liverpool, and Aston Villa are all keeping close tabs on his situation as they prepare for the upcoming transfer windows.
Eddie Howe is believed to be keen on strengthening Newcastle’s defensive options following a demanding campaign that includes Champions League football.
The addition of Malick Thiaw from AC Milan during the summer was part of that plan, but injuries and a congested fixture schedule have highlighted the need for more depth at the back.
Howe has made it clear that maintaining high standards across all competitions will require additional reinforcements, and Ordonez fits the profile of a player who can help achieve that.
Standing out for Club Brugge with his composure, aerial ability, and tactical awareness, Ordonez has also impressed at international level, becoming a key figure for Ecuador as they successfully qualified for the upcoming World Cup.
His strong performances have earned him plaudits across Europe, and scouts have noted his maturity on the ball and leadership qualities despite his young age. However, prising him away from Belgium will not be straightforward.
Club Brugge moved quickly to secure their prized asset by offering him a new long-term contract in September, keeping him at the club until 2029. The extension was a strategic move designed to protect his market value amid growing interest from Premier League clubs.
With such a lengthy deal in place, Brugge hold all the negotiating power and are under no financial pressure to sell, meaning any club hoping to sign him would have to pay a significant transfer fee.
Sources close to the club suggest that Brugge would only consider letting Ordonez go if an exceptional offer arrives, which makes a January deal highly unlikely.
Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke revealed that while Newcastle admire Ordonez and see him as an ideal fit for Howe’s long-term vision, the chances of securing his services mid-season are slim.
The Magpies are expected to monitor his situation closely and could revisit the move in the summer when negotiations may be more feasible.
In addition to defensive targets like Ordonez, Newcastle are also exploring attacking reinforcements. The club has been monitoring Porto’s rising star Samu Aghehowa, who continues to impress in Portugal.
The 21-year-old forward has been in fine form and is reportedly happy at Porto, where he hopes to break into the Spain national team. While Newcastle remain interested, they are aware that any deal will require patience as Aghehowa’s current focus is on continuing his development in Portugal.
Eddie Howe’s transfer strategy reflects Newcastle’s growing ambition to establish themselves as a consistent Champions League contender. The manager is intent on building a squad with strength and balance across all positions, capable of competing on multiple fronts.
Alongside Aghehowa and Ordonez, the club is also keeping a close eye on the progress of Yoane Wissa, who is expected to play a key role once he returns from injury.
For now, Newcastle’s pursuit of Joel Ordonez represents both their ambition and their strategic approach to squad building. While an immediate move in January appears unlikely due to his long-term contract and Brugge’s reluctance to sell, the Magpies are positioning themselves well should an opportunity arise in the future.
The Ecuadorian defender’s combination of youth, talent, and experience makes him an ideal candidate for Eddie Howe’s evolving project at St James’ Park.
If Newcastle can eventually secure his signature, it would be another major statement of intent from a club determined to challenge the Premier League elite.
Ordonez’s potential arrival would not only strengthen their defensive depth but also underline their commitment to building a team capable of sustained success both domestically and in Europe.
