Crystal Palace submit €40m bid for Liverpool-linked Joel Ordóñez

Crystal Palace’s late push to sign Club Brugge defender Joel Ordóñez has been rebuffed, despite the Eagles submitting what has been described as a “monster bid” for the Liverpool linked centre back.

According to Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws, Palace have moved decisively to strengthen their defence before the transfer deadline, lodging an offer of around €40million for the 21 year old Ecuador international. The bid would have made Ordóñez the most expensive sale in Club Brugge’s history, eclipsing the €37.5m received for Charles De Ketelaere’s move to AC Milan in 2022.

However, Brugge have refused to sanction a mid-season exit, leaving Palace scrambling for alternatives.

Joel Ordóñez has emerged as one of the most highly rated young defenders in the Jupiler Pro League and has previously spoken of his ambition to play in the Premier League.

Earlier this month, reports from Ecuador suggested Ordóñez was set to join Liverpool during the winter window, claims that were swiftly dismissed in Belgium. While Liverpool are understood to admire the centre-back, Het Laatste Nieuws report that Arne Slot’s side have not made a concrete move at this stage.

Crystal Palace, by contrast, acted with urgency following the departure of Marc Guéhi to Manchester City last month, leaving Oliver Glasner short of senior options in central defence.

The €40m proposal from Palace underlined the scale of their intent. Brugge, who are set to post significant profits from player sales this window, have nevertheless made it clear they are unwilling to weaken mid-season.

Het Laatste Nieuws add that the Belgian club’s stance mirrors their refusal to sell Christos Tzolis last summer, despite interest from Palace at that time.

With the January window closing later today, Palace’s failure to land Ordóñez represents a major setback in their efforts to rebuild the back line following Guéhi’s exit.

Liverpool’s interest in Ordóñez is described as exploratory rather than advanced, with the Merseyside club not expected to pursue a deal this month. Any future move would likely depend on summer availability and Brugge’s willingness to negotiate.

For now, Ordóñez remains in Belgium, while Palace must decide whether to pivot to another defensive target or risk going into the second half of the season without a direct replacement.

With time running out, Crystal Palace face a race against the clock to identify an alternative centre-back option before the 7pm deadline. Club Brugge’s refusal has closed one door firmly, and whether Palace can act quickly enough to open another may define the final hours of their transfer window.