Aston Villa have made contact with Club Brugge over a potential move for Joel Ordonez as Unai Emery steps up his search for an Ezri Konsa replacement. The 22-year-old Ecuador international is among Villa’s centre-back options, with no agreement currently in place for Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
David Ornstein reports that Villa have approached Club Brugge over Ordóñez as their defensive rebuild continues.
The development represents significant progression.
Ordóñez had already been identified and admired by Villa, but his potential cost previously made a move this summer appear difficult. Villa have now gone further by opening contact with his club.
Aston Villa move for Joel Ordóñez after Konsa departure
Villa’s need for another centre-back has increased following Konsa’s permanent move to Arsenal.
The England international eventually left Villa Park in a deal worth around £55million after seven years at the club, with Read Aston Villa examining why Villa accepted Arsenal’s offer despite previously demanding £60m.
Harwood-Bellis has been another leading option.
Villa have already had an offer rejected by Southampton, and although talks have continued over a potential £25m agreement, Ornstein reports that no deal has been reached.
Ordóñez therefore provides Emery with another route.
The Club Brugge defender is already familiar to Villa after facing them three times during the 2024/25 Champions League campaign.
Club Brugge’s own report from their 1-0 victory over Villa specifically highlighted Ordóñez defending strongly against Ollie Watkins.
He later started both legs when Villa and Brugge met again in the Champions League last 16.
Ordóñez was also a regular throughout last season. Club Brugge’s official statistics record 33 league appearances, including 30 starts, while he won 141 of his 251 contested duels.
Villa have raised substantial funds through their summer departures and are continuing to reshape Emery’s squad before the transfer deadline.
Their contact with Brugge does not mean an agreement is close, but it confirms that the club’s search for Konsa’s successor has now expanded beyond Harwood-Bellis.
