Fabrizio Romano makes Chelsea transfer announcement and reveals what’s next

Robin Bairner

19 Nov 2025 08:08 GMT
4 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea, transfer news — © IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano has revealed Chelsea’s next signing target after snapping up Ecuador prospect Deinner Ordonez.

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Romano declared that a deal is done for the 16-year-old, who hails from the Independiente del Valle academy, and the football transfer news reporter said that the Blues intend to continue scouring the world for the best talent available.

Liverpool are one of the clubs that Chelsea appear to have beaten to the signing of the teenager, with the Italian journalist only revealing that there was competition from elsewhere in the Premier League, but also Germany.

Chelsea secure deal for Deinner Ordonez

“Chelsea have completed a deal for young centre back Deinner Ordonez, born in 2009 and widely regarded as one of Ecuador's standout talents. Ecuador continue to produce an impressive number of young players, with Independiente del Valle again at the heart of their development work,” Romano told the Here We Go podcast.

“Independiente del Valle have already produced players like Kendry Paez and Moises Caicedo, and when it comes to centre-backs, names such as Willian Paco and Piero Hincapie have emerged from the same system. Ordonez follows that line. He is tall, fast, and highly rated, although he will need time to adapt to European football.

© IMAGO - Ordonez is following in the footsteps of Moises Caicedo

“Three other clubs were in the race, including two in England and one in Germany, but Chelsea moved quickly. Their scouting department have monitored Ordonez for months, observing him on and off the pitch. When the moment came to act, they were fast and decisive.

“Chelsea have agreed a long-term contract with Ordonez and have an excellent relationship with Independiente del Valle, which made the negotiation straightforward. The plan is for Ordonez to arrive in London in December 2027 or January 2028. He may visit Cobham earlier to take photos and prepare for the move.

“This signing strengthens Chelsea's long-term defensive strategy. They already have emerging talents such as Joshua Acheampong and established figures like Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana, but they wanted another high-potential centre back for the future.

“Despite links with Liverpool, Chelsea had already completed the deal. Everything is signed, and the club have been in Ecuador to finalise the agreement. The official announcement will follow.”

© IMAGO - Estevao has been a huge hit at Chelsea

Chelsea continue global talent strategy

Chelsea are not content to simply add this promising youngster to their ranks. They are still following more top talent around the world, and Romano has pinpointed the next potential signing for Enzo Maresca’s men.

“Looking at what comes next, Chelsea will continue with the same strategy. The signing of Estevao from Brazil has already proven their approach correct. He is now performing at a very high level for Brazil and Chelsea, and when he was signed many people questioned the fee and the structure. Today he is one of the best young players in the world,” he said.

"Chelsea are tracking several more young players globally. One of them is Felipe Morais, a 17-year-old midfielder from Cruzeiro. I am not aware of any bid or negotiation, but Chelsea are following him closely, as they are with many players. Their aim is to secure top talents before the market becomes competitive.”

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