Liverpool cool interest in “outstanding” PL star ahead of Ordonez move

Liverpool have an opportunity to strengthen in the January transfer window after a difficult first half of their Premier League title-defending campaign.

The Reds have failed to match the standards they set last season, even after a £450m refresh of the squad with the acquisition of some of Europe’s hottest prospects.

Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak were high-ticket players brought in to revolutionise the attacking threat under Arne Slot following the sales of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, alongside the tragic death of Diogo Jota.

However, it hasn’t been an easy transition for either the players or Arne Slot so far, and even seasoned Liverpool stars are struggling to make their mark.

Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah is also finding it difficult to deliver consistent goal contributions alongside his new-look attacking partners.

While the forward line continues to find its feet, it is expected that Liverpool will focus on defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window, with a move for Club Brugge star Joel Ordonez dominating the headlines.

Ordonez is not the only defender Liverpool have been linked with, as Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi continues to be associated with a potential move to Anfield.

Liverpool’s last-minute attempt to sign the England international in the summer fell through at the final hurdle, leaving the club unable to add experienced depth to their centre-back options.

It is currently expected that Guehi will remain at Palace until the summer and then move as a free agent ahead of next season, with the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Inter all interested in acquiring his services.

The Reds have also been long-term admirers of Newcastle United star Sven Botman, even before his move to the North East back in 2022.

However, a new report has revealed that Liverpool have now cooled their interest in the Dutchman following his ongoing battle with injuries during his time on Tyneside.

According to The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder (via TEAMtalk), several factors have contributed to Liverpool’s loss of interest in Botman, including not only his injury record but also his inability to regain a regular place in the starting eleven under Eddie Howe.

The arrival of Malick Thiaw has seen the centre-back – once hailed as “outstanding” by the Newcastle boss – fall further down the pecking order at St James’ Park, leading Liverpool to prioritise alternative targets for their much-needed defensive reinforcements.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano provided an update on Liverpool’s interest in Ordonez yesterday on his YouTube channel:

“Many questions on Joel Ordonez, with reports saying that a deal is already done with Liverpool.”

“What I can tell you guys is that the relationship with Liverpool and Brugge is very good – it’s an excellent relationship, this is what I’m told.

But at the moment, Liverpool are scouting Ordonez, as they are scouting many players, but nothing is done or agreed at this stage.”

There is no doubt that Liverpool’s weakest area in terms of future-proofing the squad is the centre-back partnership.

No resolution has yet been found to extend Ibrahima Konate’s stay beyond his contract expiry in the summer, while Virgil van Dijk is reaching the latter stages of his career, with the defender set to turn 35 before next season.

As a result, pressure will continue to mount on Liverpool’s hierarchy – beyond on-pitch performances – to deliver a much-needed defensive addition, either in January or during the summer window.

With that in mind, the developing situation on Merseyside will be one to watch both during the transfer window and throughout the second half of the season.

Rebekka Arnold is an experienced writer with a strong background in digital media, PR and football journalism.

Since 2021, Rebekka has written opinion pieces and match reaction content for Football Fancast, part of the Snack Media network, building on her growing presence in the football community through viral Twitter content and podcasting.

Now at Transfer Tavern, Rebekka brings her sharp eye for analysis and deep passion for the game to deliver engaging football opinion and breaking transfer news content.