Chelsea agree deal to sign teenage defender

Tom Weber

• Updated: 14 Nov 2025 15:22 CST
• 3 min read

News

Chelsea have agreed a deal with Independiente del Valle to sign centre-back Deinner Ordonez, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues have made it their mission to snap up the world's brightest young talents, and their latest recruit is another hugely exciting talent. Transfer insider Romano has revealed that Ecuador youth international Ordonez is heading to Stamford Bridge.

The 16-year-old will not be an immediate reinforcement for Chelsea as he will only be allowed to move to the UK in January 2028 after turning 18. Ordonez is regarded as the biggest defensive prospect in Ecuador.

He has been favourably compared to his namesake Joel Ordonez, Arsenal defender Piero Hincape and PSG star Willian Pacho, all of whom came through the Independiente academy, as did Chelsea stars Moises Caicedo and Kendry Paez.

Romano has not disclosed the financial details of this transfer, but he has revealed that Chelsea beat three 'top' European clubs to the signing of Ordonez.

Chelsea sign Ordonez

One of these three clubs was likely Liverpool, who were linked with a move for Ordonez earlier this year. Incidentally, the Reds were also associated with the likes of Joel Ordonez, Hincapie and Pacho at various points in recent years.

They famously also attempted to hijack Chelsea's deal for Caicedo. There is clearly an awareness among elite European clubs that Ecuador is an emerging market where world-class talent can be unearthed.

Ordonez has been making waves in his home country since the age of 15. Although the 16-year-old has yet to make his senior debut for Independiente, he is already playing for Ecuador's U20s.

Chelsea have managed to beat the competition to the punch, snapping up another thrilling prospect. That said, some Blues fans would perhaps have preferred a senior signing for this upcoming January window, given the Blues' persistent injuries in that department.

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