Liverpool do not appear on the cusp of making a January signing despite suggestions they could move for Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez.
The centre of defence has become a problem for the Reds this season, with supporters hoping their club would rectify the situation with an acquisition in the New Year.
That looked to be coming to fruition last week, when reports from Ecuador claimed that Liverpool were on the verge of signing Ordonez.
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However, these reports have since been denied, with contrasting claims that Liverpool are unlikely to move for Ordonez in January emerging soon after.
Given the speed at which the rumours were shut down, it begs the question of why the Ecuadorian press were so convinced that the 21-year-old was on his way to Anfield. Speaking out on Sunday, journalist Fabrizio Romano has attempted to explain.
Liverpool’s relationship with Club Brugge to blame for Joel Ordonez rumours
Liverpool supporters gave a mixed reaction to Ordonez’s potential signing, with many unconvinced that the youngster can immediately help the Reds.
Nevertheless, it is a shame to see the transfer hit reverse after such convincing claims from the player’s homeland that he was on his way to Merseyside.
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According to Romano, the closeness of Liverpool‘s relationship with Brugge could be what caused the clamour of reporting.
“What I can tell you guys, I was checking once again today [Sunday], Liverpool are following the player, for sure, he’s one they are tracking, monitoring, scouting. But Liverpool follow thousands of players every year, so at this stage nothing more than this,” the transfer expert said on YouTube.
“They have a very good relationship with Brugge, so this is probably why the links are being pushed so much in the media. What I can tell you is that at the moment Liverpool have not agreed any deal for Ordonez, have not agreed any personal terms, have not started an official conversation.”
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“Following the player, yes, if anything changes I will let you know but at the moment from Liverpool, nothing really official or concrete for Joel Ordonez.”
What happens next with Liverpool and Ordonez?
As Romano points out, just because Liverpool are fans of Ordonez’s, it does not mean that a transfer is in the offing.
Centre-back is obviously a position the Reds know they need to recruit heavily in, and it is only normal that they would be keeping tabs on a young player doing well at Champions League level.
Unfortunately, this one does have the feeling of one that Liverpool would do immediately if they had the intention of completing.
Ordonez is seemingly available for a relatively good fee this January, and with Liverpool’s need for a centre-back abundantly clear, they could pull the trigger if they were absolutely convinced.
That they are not doing so may suggest that Ordonez will remain one on the long-list, without ever really coming close to joining.
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