Moises Caicedo handed update after Chelsea transfer demand

Cameron Smith

• 5 Feb 2026 14:49 GMT
• 4 min read

News

Atletico Madrid are reportedly set to pursue a move for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez this summer in a move that will come as a hammer blow to Chelsea star Moises Caicedo.

Ordonez, 21, has enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Club Brugge since his arrival in 2022 and he is widely expected to leave the club this summer amid significant transfer interest from multiple teams across Europe.

Current ETV

Joel Ordóñez

D (C)

Brugge

Joel Ordóñez

D (C)

Brugge

€34M

ETV Range

€30.6M - €37.4M

View full profile

Liverpool were heavily linked with a move for the Ecuador defender before opting to finalise a pre-agreement deal to sign Stade Rennais star Jeremy Jacquet in July, while La Liga giants Atletico Madrid have now entered the race for his signature.

That is according to Spanish publication Fichajes, who claim that Diego Simeone’s side are set to prioritise the signing of a new centre-back this summer. Ordonez has been earmarked as a top candidate for the role and it’s stated that he would be keen to complete a move to the Wanda Metropolitano.

The 21-year-old is reportedly valued at €45 million by the Club Brugge hierarchy, but the recent spending prowess of Atleti suggests this wouldn’t be a stumbling block for the Spanish outfit.

Why Joel Ordonez to Atletico Madrid is bad news for Moises Caicedo

Caicedo and Ordonez are international team-mates for Ecuador and it has been reported that Chelsea’s star midfielder is eager to be reunited with his close friend at club level.

Rumours from early 2025 speculated that Caicedo had asked Chelsea officials to complete the signing of Ordonez to bolster their defensive roster, but his request fell on deaf ears last summer and in January.

Ordonez has been linked with a Stamford Bridge switch on a number of occasions over the past 12 months, however the Blues are yet to solidify their interest with a formal offer and they seem unlikely to pursue a deal during the 2026 summer transfer window.

Mamadou Sarr is set to play a key role under Liam Rosenior following his recall from Strasbourg, while the club already have a stacked centre-back roster that includes Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Jorrel Hato, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah and Josh Acheampong.

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