Aston Villa Target Club Brugge Defender Joel Ordonez
· Sports · BBC Sport
Aston Villa are working to sign Club Brugge central defender Joel Ordonez after failing to reach an agreement with Southampton for Taylor Harwood-Bellis. The Premier League club sold defender Ezri Konsa to Arsenal last week and are accelerating negotiations for Ordonez, though his Belgian Pro League club is demanding a minimum fee of £40m. The 22-year-old Ecuador international played for his country at this summer's World Cup and has made 124 appearances for Club Brugge since joining in 2022. Villa previously targeted Harwood-Bellis, but their £18m offer was rejected by Southampton due to a significant valuation gap. Manager Unai Emery's side opened their Premier League campaign with a 4-0 defeat against Brighton and are looking to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Why it matters
Aston Villa need defensive reinforcements following a 4-0 defeat to Brighton and the departures of several key players, including Ezri Konsa. Securing Joel Ordonez would address a vital squad vacancy before the transfer deadline.
Read the original report — BBC Sport
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