Liverpool keeping close tabs on talented Club Brugge defender as Virgil Van Dijk drama goes on

Liverpool has entered the race for Club Brugge center-back Joel Ordonez, with the club still yet to agree on a contract extension with Virgil van Dijk.

According to Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws (HLN), Liverpool and Chelsea are both monitoring Ordonez closely and could attempt to sign the 20-year-old in January. Ordonez only signed for Brugge in 2023, after joining their youth academy the previous year.

Brugge signed Ordonez from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle, after impressing as an 18-year-old. The defender also came through the same development program as Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo, adding further credibility to his name.

Liverpool are keen to strengthen in the center-back position regardless of Van Dijk's future, as the club failed to sign a replacement for Joel Matip, who retired at the end of last season. Jarell Quansah has been used sparingly by head coach Arne Slot and Ibrahima Konate's injury record continues to be a concern, but the biggest issue remains Van Dijk, the Liverpool captain.

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Van Dijk is out of contact at the end of the season, and the 33-year-old has already rejected a contract proposal from Liverpool, according to The Athletic. The defender is eager to stay at Liverpool, but wasn't happy with the terms offered.

Liverpool are negotiating with Van Dijk, but also attempting to re-sign Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold. All three stars are out of contract next summer, leaving Liverpool's board with a lot on their plate heading into 2025.

Van Dijk is still world-class, and should be able to compete at the top level for at least another three years. But Liverpool has already started the hunt for his long-term replacement, and Ordonez would 'like' to play in the Premier League.

"The Premier League, I would like that," Ordonez told HLN. But the defender remains loyal to Brugge, and added: "I’m focused on Club [Brugge], with whom I want to win another title."

Brugge head coach Nicky Hayen is not concerned about the Premier League interest, as Ordonez is still extremely focused on his current role. Hayen would prefer Ordonez to complete this season, rather than leave the club in January.

"That is ultimately what you want as a player," Hayen said of the transfer interest surrounding Ordonez. "What makes me happy is that Joel always does his job despite the interest. When that transfer will happen, you have no control over that. It could be in the winter season, but it could also be after this season, which we would prefer."

Ordonez is currently valued at $18 million according to Transfermarkt, but due to being contracted through 2028, Liverpool may have to pay extra to seal a transfer. A bid in the region of $30 million may be enough to force a deal in the summer, but Brugge may demand an inflated fee to allow him to leave in January.