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Chelsea has reportedly secured a deal to sign young center-back Deinner Ordonez from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle. The Blues' latest addition, who was also on Liverpool's watchlist, is expected to join in 2028 as part of their strategy to invest in South American talent.
Chelsea has recently signed emerging stars from Brazil, including Estevao Willian, Andrey Santos, and Angelo Gabriel. Under the stewardship of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, the club has consistently targeted talented teenage prospects with long-term potential.
The decision to sign Ordonez aligns with their model of identifying and nurturing talent early, whilst allowing players to continue their development in familiar surroundings before making the move to European football.
The west London club's recruitment efforts in South America are among the most advanced in the Premier League. Chelsea's scouting network has been bolstered in areas such as Brazil and Ecuador, ensuring the club remains at the forefront in identifying the next wave of talent.
Chelsea have a solid relationship with Independiente del Valle, where Blues midfielder Moises Caicedo began his youth career before transferring to Europe with Brighton and Hove Albion in 2021. Ordonez was also reportedly on the wish list of Chelsea's Premier League rivals Liverpool.
The Premier League champions were reportedly amongst the elite European clubs monitoring his progress. Liverpool's scouting network, led by sporting director Richard Hughes and supported by the club's youth recruitment system, had allegedly pinpointed Ordonez as one of the most exciting prospects in South America.
Talent spotters have supposedly acclaimed him as the finest player of his age bracket across the continent. Nevertheless, Liverpool have failed to land his signature, with Chelsea positioned to secure his services at Stamford Bridge in three years' time.
Chelsea sit third in the Premier League following their 3-0 triumph over Wolves last weekend. Manager Enzo Maresca commented: "We are happy with the performance,' the Blues head.
"I was very worried before the game because these are always tricky matches, but in the first half and second half, we created so many chances and didn't concede anything.
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"Even in the first half, I was happy with the performance, and the difference between the first and second halves is that in the second we scored goals and in the first we missed many chances.
"You need to be clinical, otherwise the game is always open and anything can happen. In the second half, we scored three goals, could've scored more."
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