Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly at the front of the queue to sign Club Brugge defender Joel Ordóñez, beating out Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool.
The 22-year-old has thrived since joining Club Brugge from Independiente del Valle in 2023, winning a Belgian Pro League title and a couple of domestic cup competitions.
Ordóñez delivered an impressive campaign last season, scoring four goals and keeping five clean sheets across 43 appearances in all competitions.
His performances at club level have earned him a key role with the Ecuadorian national team, with the centre-back set to feature prominently at this summer’s World Cup.
Liverpool are reportedly ‘seriously considering’ making a move for Ordóñez following Ibrahima Konaté’s departure as a free agent, with the club seeking a replacement defender.
Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Juventus have also been monitoring the Ecuadorian, but Tottenham are said to be ‘leading the race’ to get a deal done.
Several Premier League clubs have scouted Ordóñez on numerous occasions over the last few years, underlining just how highly he is regarded across English football.
Tottenham have already added Marcos Senesi on a free transfer this summer but remain keen to bring in further defensive reinforcements ahead of the new season.
Jan Paul van Hecke has been identified as Spurs’ primary defensive target, though Brighton have been playing hardball over the price of the Netherlands international.
With that deal proving difficult, Tottenham have turned their attention to Ordóñez as a serious alternative option to strengthen their backline this transfer window.
Club Brugge hold strong leverage in any negotiation, with Ordóñez’s contract running until 2029 and the Belgian club having slapped a £39m price tag on the player.
The South American is described as a 6ft 2in right-footed centre-back who is quick, strong, good in the air, comfortable playing out from the back, and efficient in defensive contributions.
Those physical and technical qualities suggest Ordóñez has every attribute needed to make an immediate impact in the Premier League if a move is finalised.
Tottenham will need to act decisively if they are to fend off the interest from Chelsea, Liverpool, and clubs from other European leagues in securing his signature.