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Chelsea sent scouts to watch talented 20-year-old defender

Originally posted on A Stamford Bridge Too Far
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Feb 16, 2025 12:29 PM ET

Chelsea recently sent scouts to watch Joel Ordonez in action for Club Brugge vs Atalanta in the Champions League

Despite being one of the most active clubs in the transfer market in recent years, Chelsea were silent spectators for large parts of the recently concluded winter window. Instead, they seemed more focused on trimming their squad and wage bill, with Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi and Joao Felix among some players heading out on loan.

As immediate first-team signings go, the Blues only managed to add young French talent Mathis Amougou to Enzo Maresca’s squad. The Stamford Bridge chiefs are planning to conduct the bulk of their year’s transfer activity in the summer when targets become far more achievable.

According to an exclusive report from TBR Football, Chelsea are among several clubs interested in signing Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez. In fact, Moises Caicedo has encouraged the Pensioners to make a move for the 20-year-old, who finds himself on the radars of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Brighton and Hove Albion as well.

Joel Ordonez, 20, is regarded as one of the best young defensive prospects across Europe, currently making waves for Belgian outfit Club Brugge. The Ecuadorian has made 27 appearances across all competitions for Club Brugge, including starting every Champions League game. The right-footed centre-back has shone on the grandest stage, giving a glimpse of his high potential.

The aforementioned report adds Chelsea scouts were present to watch Ordonez in action for Club Brugge in the 2-1 win over Atalanta in the Champions League knockout play-offs on Thursday evening. He played 90 minutes as Brugge earned a slender advantage over Atalanta heading into the return leg in Bergamo next week.

It is only a matter of time before the Guayaquil-born talent, who has been compared to former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, leaves Brugge for a bigger club. At 20 years old, the South American youngster perfectly fits the profile of signings Chelsea have made in recent years under Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital.

The Blues invested in South American defensive talent Aaron Anselmino from Boca Juniors last summer, and they could strengthen the rearguard by making a move for Ordonez before the 2025/26 season commences. The Club Brugge man can fulfil his vast potential under Maresca’s watchful eyes whilst solving the defensive problems at Stamford Bridge. If signed, he may take time to adapt to the fast-paced nature of the Premier League and the Pensioners have to show patience then.

All in all, Caicedo, who believes his compatriot has the required ingredients to become a top-class defender in the Premier League, must work his charm offensive to lure Ordonez to West London in the summer.

This article first appeared on A Stamford Bridge Too Far and was syndicated with permission.

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