Aston Villa have agreed personal terms with Joel Ordóñez, but completing a transfer for the Club Brugge defender could now cost significantly more than initially expected. The Ecuador international is reportedly willing to move to Villa Park, although Brugge could demand up to £43million before sanctioning his departure.
Villa identified Ordóñez as a potential replacement for Ezri Konsa following the England defender’s transfer to Arsenal.
Earlier on Monday, Read Aston Villa reported that a deal could cost around £30m, based on Belgian reports placing Brugge’s valuation near €35m.
However, fresh information suggests Villa have made progress with the player while facing a potentially larger financial obstacle.
Aston Villa agree Joel Ordonez terms
TEAMtalk reports that Villa have agreed personal terms with Ordóñez, who has indicated he wants to join Unai Emery’s side.
The development represents a significant step beyond the earlier discussions between Villa and Brugge.
However, there is no agreement between the clubs and no confirmed Villa bid. Negotiations over the transfer fee remain ongoing.
Brugge are reportedly prepared to seek as much as £43m, creating a possible £13m difference from the £30m valuation reported earlier.
The Belgian club are in a strong negotiating position after confirming Ordóñez signed a contract until 2029.
The 22-year-old has also represented Ecuador at senior level and gained Champions League experience with Brugge.
Villa still considering Taylor Harwood-Bellis
Ordóñez is not the only defender Emery is pursuing.
Southampton have rejected two Villa offers for Taylor Harwood-Bellis, with the Championship club seeking approximately £30m.
Harwood-Bellis has also indicated he wants to join Villa, leaving Emery with two defensive targets who appear open to the move.
There is another important distinction between them.
Ordóñez is recovering from a fractured metatarsal, with Transfermarkt’s injury records listing no confirmed return date.
Harwood-Bellis could therefore provide a more immediate solution ahead of Arsenal’s visit to Villa Park next Monday.
Agreeing terms with Ordóñez removes one obstacle, but Villa must still decide whether Brugge’s asking price and the defender’s recovery make the transfer viable.
