Liverpool are reportedly back in the race to sign Club Brugge central defender Joel Ordonez, reigniting interest that had previously appeared to fade.
The Reds were understood to have cooled their pursuit of the 22-year-old at an earlier stage, with Newcastle United emerging as a more likely destination at that point.
However, the transfer landscape has shifted significantly for Liverpool, who now find themselves needing to replace Ibrahima Konate following his departure when his contract expired.
Konate’s exit has pushed Liverpool into the market for defensive reinforcements, with Ordonez now understood to be among their top targets heading into the summer window.
The move would come under incoming manager Andoni Iraola, whose appointment to take over from Arne Slot is reported to be progressing at pace.
According to TEAMtalk, Ordonez has attracted attention from several top Premier League clubs, underlining the level of regard he is held in across English football.
His performances in the Belgian top flight have clearly caught the eye of those at the highest level, though a move to a club like Liverpool would represent a significant step up in competition.
A potential fee in the region of €50m has been mooted for the defender, making him a considerable investment for a club preparing for a new managerial era.
Liverpool may also need to look beyond just one defensive signing this summer, particularly given the reported dip in form from Virgil van Dijk as he enters the later stages of his career.
Ordonez could potentially be signed with a long-term development plan in mind, with room remaining for the club to also bring in a more experienced centre-back alongside him.
It is still early in the transfer window, with the season having only concluded last week, but Liverpool’s recruitment strategy under Iraola already appears to be taking clear shape.
The pursuit of Ordonez suggests the club is prioritising defensive stability as a key part of building the squad for the challenges ahead in the new campaign.
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