Joel Ordonez walking out before a Club Brugge match with his head down alongside a circular inset of Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez alongside Tottenham manager Roberto De ZerbiImago
Tottenham Hotspur

Who is Tottenham target Joel Ordonez? Roberto De Zerbi lines up his latest defensive recruit

Ciaran Morrison
Ciaran Morrison

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football finance journalist specialising in the financial landscape of the Premier League and SPFL. FOCUS Financial analysis, club economics, and data-led coverage across the top flight and Scottish football. THE INSIGHT Ciaran utilises a network of financial and industry contacts to deliver verified, data-driven analysis. He provides the numbers behind the noise to ensure fans understand the fiscal reality driving decisions at the top of the game.

Published on: 

Joel Ordonez could be lining up for Tottenham next season following his impressive spell at Club Brugge.

CaughtOffside report that Spurs are currently leading Liverpool in the race to sign Ordonez this summer.

The additions of Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson already signal that Roberto De Zerbi is keen to strengthen Spurs' defence.

Two bids have been rejected by Brighton for Jan Paul van Hecke, as De Zerbi is acting quick to rebuild a Spurs squad which was nearly relegated from the Premier League this season.

The futures of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are uncertain, as key players could depart due to the club underachieving on the pitch.

With Ordonez a target for Spurs, Football Insider reveals all you need to know about the defender.

Joel Ordonez's career explained

Born in Ecuador, Ordonez started his senior career at Independiente del Valle in his home country.

Not even a year into his senior career in Ecuador, Ordonez moved to Europe after Club Brugge snapped him up for a fee of around £3.5million.

Initially playing in their reserve side, Ordonez made his debut for the first team in August 2022.

The 22-year-old has since won the Belgian Pro League title, the Belgian Cup, and the Belgian Super Cup, and has Champions League experience.

His form at club level has earned him 16 caps for Ecuador, and a place in their World Cup squad this year, whilst he was the captain of his country's under-15 team.

In other transfer news at Spurs, sources told Football Insider that a third bid is expected to be submitted to Brighton for van Hecke, which could impact any plans to bring Ordonez to the club.

Joel Ordonez walking out before a Club Brugge match with his head down alongside a circular inset of Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Sources: Tottenham are 'coming back with improved offer' for Jan Paul van Hecke, 'imminent' bid revealed

What should Tottenham expect from Joel Ordonez?

At 6ft 2in, Ordonez is an imposing defender, highlighted by the fact that he won 60 per cent of his aerial duels in the Belgian league this season.

A right-footed centre-back, Ordonez is comfortable on the ball, successfully completing 92.2 per cent of his passes in the Champions League.

Although known for his pace, Ordonez was dribbled past 10 times in Belgium this season and was sent off twice.

His top speed of 32.4 km/h in the Champions League still falls short of that of van de Ven, who clocked a speed of 37.38km/h in the Premier League in January 2024.

At 22 though, Ordonez would not be expected to be the finished article, and the defender looks to have outgrown his time at Club Brugge.

Roberto De Zerbi
Joel Leandro Ordonez Guerrero
www.footballinsider247.com