Get to know Joel Ordonez, the Everton-linked defender who has shone in Champions League this season

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Everton could be set for a very busy first summer under The Friedkin Group.

Carlos Alcaraz was Everton’s only January signing, leaving many to think the Toffees could go big in the summer transfer window.

One position in particular that seems high on David Moyes’ radar is centre-back, with a whole host of defensive names being linked with a Merseyside move – the latest of being Joel Ordonez.

Everton are reportedly interested in Ordonez, with the Toffees set to battle with Aston Villa to secure the Club Brugge defender’s signature.

Relatively unknown outside of Belgium, Everton News thought it would be worthwhile taking a closer look at the Toffees target.

Joel Ordonez age

Joel Leandro Ordóñez Guerrero is currently 20 years old at the time of writing. He was born on April 21st, 2004.

Joel Ordonez nationality

Joel Ordonez is Ecuadorian, having been born in the region of Guayaquil. He has represented Ecuador at both youth and senior level.

Joel Ordonez height

Ordonez stands at approximately 6ft 2 inches tall (1.88m), which makes him a very opposing figure in both boxes.

Joel Ordonez position

Joel Ordonez primarily plays as a centre-back but he has also spent time deputising as a right-back for Club Brugge.

Joel Ordonez stats

Ordonez’s professional career began with Ecuadorian outfit Independiente del Valle. After impressing in his homeland, the defender would earn a move to Club NXT, Club Brugge’s youth academy.

The 20-year-old would work his way through the ranks in Belgium, eventually making his senior debut for the club in 2023. Ordonez has since featured for Club Brugge in both the Champions League and Conference League.

Joel Ordonez style of play

Ordonez can best be described as a very front-foot aggressive defender, who isn’t afraid to go 1v1 with his opponent.

Club Brugge play a very high pressing system, something Ordonez thrives in – with his recovery pace being a key asset in the Belgian side’s defence.

Having been taught and schooled in the Brugge way, the Ecuadorian is unsurprisingly very comfortable on the ball – something which has been showcased in the Champions League this season.

Still just 20-years-old, Ordonez isn’t the finished article yet – but he could be a smart pickup for Everton if he is allowed to develop on Merseyside.