Report: Liverpool to finalize first transfer of the window ‘in the next few days’; deal valued at £43m nearing completion
Liverpool is on the verge of completing the first transfer of the winter transfer window. As reported by The Sun, the Reds are close to finalizing a £43m agreement for Ecuadorian centre-back Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge ‘in the next few days’. The initial payment is believed to be around £35m, with additional add-ons expected to elevate the total fee. At just 21 years old, Ordonez is seen internally as a long-term defensive solution, and his signing would signal a major move from Liverpool early in the window. Chelsea had also been monitoring the Ecuador international, but reports indicate that the Blues have now pulled out, allowing Liverpool a clear path to finalize the acquisition. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images) Marc Guehi continues to be linked with Liverpool. Marc Guehi nearly joined Liverpool during the summer, as a deal was struck between the clubs and the player underwent a medical examination. Nevertheless, Crystal Palace made a last-minute decision to retract, leading to the deal’s downfall. Guehi remains on the Reds’ radar; however, acquiring him now poses more challenges due to increased competition. Real Madrid has entered the fray for Guehi, along with Bayern Munich, who are also evaluating the player. Given that Guehi’s contract expires at season’s end, he is free to negotiate a pre-agreement with a European club in January. Other Premier League teams are also interested in securing Guehi’s signature. There exists a possibility that the Reds might opt to wait until the summer to attempt signing him on a free transfer. Ibrahima Konate has yet to sign a new deal with Liverpool. Liverpool is also navigating a precarious situation concerning Ibrahima Konate, who has not yet reached an agreement on a new contract at Anfield. The French defender is reportedly seeking improved terms, and absent an agreement, he will also be eligible to sign a pre-contract with a European club. If no deal is reached, Konate could depart on a free transfer at the season’s conclusion, a scenario Liverpool wishes to prevent. There is an increasing belief that signing Ordonez is seen as immediate reinforcement while Guehi could still be a significant target for the summer as Liverpool aims to secure their long-term defensive strategy.
Published: 2025-12-31 20:51:00
source: www.caughtoffside.com
