Liverpool can wrap up transfer worth millions in 'next few days'

Liverpool is set to sign a defender after Chelsea pulled out of the race to secure a center-back's services in a much needed squad boost for Arne Slot

Arne Slot may well get new additions to his squad in the January transfer window(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)

Liverpool is poised to secure the signature of Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge in the coming days, following Chelsea's withdrawal from the race for the Ecuadorian.

The Reds could fork out as much as £43 million ($57.8M) for the central defender, as Arne Slot seeks to bolster his backline. The initial fee for the 21-year-old is rumored to be around £35 million ($47 million), but add-ons could quickly inflate the cost to seal the deal. It's no secret that Liverpool was on the hunt for an additional center-back for the 2025/26 season - its £35M ($47M) bid for Marc Guehi fell through at the last minute when Oliver Glasner couldn't find a suitable replacement in time.

While Giovanni Leoni was acquired from Parma in the summer for £26M ($35M) plus add-ons, the 19-year-old has spent the season on the bench due to an ACL injury sustained on his debut in September. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate is free to enter talks with overseas clubs from New Year's Day, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

After rising through the ranks of Independiente del Valle in 2022, Ordonez moved to Club NXT before making the switch to Club Brugge the following year. Since then, the defender has made 105 appearances for the Belgian heavyweights, including 15 in the Jupiler Pro League this season alone.

Considering Brugge's current second-place standing in the league tables and its impressive goal difference in the 2025/26 season, Ordonez could well be the answer to the recent issues plaguing Slot, according to the Mirror. As it stands, the Reds are fourth in the Premier League, trailing the leaders, Arsenal, by 13 points.

The defensive woes are clear, given the 26 goals that the reigning champions have conceded this season, with the pairing of Konate and Virgil van Dijk failing to gel for one reason or another. In addition, Milos Kerkez has had difficulty adjusting on the left, while Jeremie Frimpong has been hampered by injury - resulting in Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch occasionally filling in as makeshift full-backs. Alisson also spent a significant period on the bench due to a hamstring injury, with Giorgi Mamardashvili stepping in during his absence.

Liverpool have been linked with Joel Ordonez(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

With upcoming matches against Leeds United, Fulham and Arsenal, Slot and the Liverpool board will have plenty of opportunities to re-evaluate their options and plan their January window spending accordingly.

Taking everything into account, with Guehi's contract at Selhurst Park set to expire in six months, Liverpool might consider making another move for him.

Palace faces the prospect of losing him for nothing this summer and may opt to sell him at a reduced price compared to the bid the Reds were willing to offer last September.

Arne Slot may look to bolster his squad in January(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)

In other news, Liverpool might be eyeing a move for the seemingly discontented Karim Adeyemi next month. The Borussia Dortmund forward brings speed, skill, and adaptability on the pitch, and considering rumours of his departure from Signal Iduna Park, he could prove to be a valuable addition to the Anfield squad.

Simultaneously, Jan Paul van Hecke has been mooted as another potential solution to Liverpool's defensive woes. The 25-year-old has been turning heads with his performances at Brighton and could flourish in the north west if given the opportunity.