Joel Ordóñez Impresses Real Madrid: A Rising Alternative to Upamecano and Konaté

Real Madrid’s search for a new centre-back continues, and while Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konaté initially appeared to be the leading candidates, new names have begun to enter the conversation. The latest to attract strong interest is Joel Ordóñez, who is rapidly gaining momentum in the club’s scouting reports.

At just 21 years old, the Ecuadorian defender from Club Brugge has become one of the revelations of this season’s Champions League. Real Madrid is closely monitoring his progress, and with centre-back reinforcement expected to be a priority this summer, Ordóñez is positioning himself as a serious contender—provided he maintains his current form.

Of course, Konaté and Upamecano remain priorities due to their expiring contracts with Liverpool and Bayern Munich, respectively. Their international experience makes them attractive options. Still, should they decide to renew with their clubs for higher wages, Real Madrid will look elsewhere.

Another strong alternative is Marc Guéhi, who is set to leave Crystal Palace after declining to renew his contract. His impressive Premier League performances have placed him high on Madrid’s shortlist. Yet Joel Ordóñez continues to rise in consideration, even if negotiating for him may prove more challenging.

Joel Ordóñez: A Modern Defender with a Veteran’s Mind

Ordóñez may be only 21, but he plays with the maturity of a seasoned professional. His standout qualities lie in his exceptional reading of the game and strong tactical discipline—traits rare in players of his age and highly valued across Europe.

Physically strong and reliable in one-on-one situations, he displays remarkable composure in his defensive decisions. He knows when to step forward, when to hold his line, and when to retreat. With the ball, he is equally comfortable: capable of playing long passes, breaking lines, or slowing down the tempo without rushing.

Arsenal scouts have described him as:
“Joel Ordóñez is not just a prospect—he is ready to compete in any league in the world.”

Standing 1.85 meters tall, he embodies the profile of the modern centre-back: fast, aggressive, technically secure, and strong in both aerial duels and recovery runs.

Half of Europe Is Pursuing Him

Ordóñez is under contract until 2029, and Club Brugge made it clear last summer that they would not sell him for less than €25 million. However, his performances this season may push that price significantly higher.

Top European clubs—including PSG, Inter, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool—are all tracking the Ecuadorian talent. He further proved his value last season by neutralizing prolific striker Viktor Gyökeres, and recently, Barcelona experienced firsthand just how difficult he can be to break through.

Real Madrid now views him as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe—an emerging star with the mindset of a leader and the skill set of a top-level modern centre-back.