-
News
- 9 hours ago
Chelsea target admits 'anger' over failed transfer after Caicedo demand
Tom Weber
- Updated: 9 Mar 2026 18:04 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Long-time Chelsea target Joel Ordonez has admitted that he was "very angry" when his proposed transfer from Club Brugge to Marseille collapsed last summer.
The Ecuador international is one of the most highly-rated young defenders in Europe. Since moving to Belgium, Ordonez has enjoyed a hugely impressive rise to prominence, and it looked as though he would be rewarded with a big move last year.
The 21-year-old was ready to leave Club Brugge as he was fielding interest from various suitors. Chelsea were among the clubs tentatively linked with him, having reportedly been asked to sign Ordonez by compatriot Moises Caicedo, but the Blues refrained from making a move.
Current ETV
Joel Ordóñez
D (C)
Brugge
Joel Ordóñez
D (C)
Brugge
ETV Range
€30.6M - €37.4M
Instead, the race to sign him came down to Crystal Palace and Marseille. Again, Caicedo played a role. The Chelsea midfielder advised Ordonez to move to Ligue 1 to link up with former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi, whom he praised in the highest possible terms.
Accordingly, Ordonez was desperate to make the move to Marseille, but Brugge pulled the plug at the last minute, leaving the youngster stuck in Belgium.
What next for Ordonez?
Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, Ordonez has admitted that the tedious negotiations between the clubs "had been trying" and that the collapse of the deal left him "very angry."
"I thought I was going to Marseille at that point, yes. An agreement was close," he added, before insisting that he has come to terms with it. "I was able to turn things around very quickly. I no longer regret the failed transfer, and I’m just happy to be here. Everything happens for a reason."
Despite being content at Brugge, Ordonez is nevertheless expected to be on the move this summer. Already in January, speculation about his future was rampant, with reports claiming that Liverpool were battling Chelsea for his signature.
In the end, nothing came of it. Instead of Ordonez, the two clubs fought over Stade Rennais wonderkid Jeremy Jacquet, with Liverpool eventually coming out on top.
It remains to be seen if a move to Chelsea could be on the cards in the summer. Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile could leave the Blues, potentially opening up a spot for the Ecuador star.
Football transfer news headlines today
Transfer rumours: Chelsea launch €100m bid as Man Utd target Barcola
Why Man Utd and half the Premier League want Hayden Hackney – and what the numbers really say
Dominik Szoboszlai: The €45m offer Liverpool star should accept as Vini Jr makes Real Madrid call
Real Madrid plot summer swoop for Arsenal fan favourite who 'could leave'
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
