Chelsea face new problem after Moises Caicedo transfer demand

Robin Bairner

• 16 Nov 2025 04:30 CST
• 3 min read

News

Chelsea have been told that there is new competition in the race to sign a player Moises Caicedo has demanded arrive at Stamford Bridge.

As far back as February, reports emerged that Caicedo has been trying to get Chelsea to sign Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez.

With Enzo Maresca’s side actively looking for central defensive reinforcements, these links refuse to go away.

Current ETV

Joel Ordóñez

D (C)

Brugge

Joel Ordóñez

D (C)

Brugge

€33.3M

ETV Range

€30M - €36.6M

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Ordonez is one of the most highly rated defensive talents in Europe currently, and in the summer came close to joining both Crystal Palace and Marseille.

Now the €33 million-rated defender is once again being associated with Chelsea, who have been regularly scouting the 21-year-old star, who has a contract with Brugge until 2029.

Fichajes reports that Inter Milan and Newcastle have joined the race the Ecuador star, who has impressed critics with his tactical maturity and composure on the ball. The Serie A club are described as one of the ‘most determined teams’ to sign the player.

Chelsea, though, finally appear convinced to move for Ordonez, who they have been tracking for months.

Joel Ordonez to Chelsea: Why a deal makes sense

Caicedo is thought to be a major driving factor behind Chelsea’s desire to sign Ordonez, but the midfielder has not publicly spoken out about his compatriot’s qualities.

Instead, TBR Football reported: “Caicedo firmly believes that his compatriot has what it takes to become a top-class defender in the Premier League.”

It’s clear that Chelsea have a close eye on the transfer market in Ecuador, meanwhile. As well as having Caicedo on their books, they recently completed a deal to sign 18-year-old attacker Kendry Paez from Independiente del Valle, while Fabrizio Romano announced this week that Deiner Ordonez will officially be announced as a Chelsea signing for 2028.

Ordonez also fits neatly into the London side’s plan to snap up promising young talents and develop them to reach the top level.

Chelsea, though, will have to beat stern competition if they are to sign the South American talent. Having Caicedo in their corner, though, is bound to be to their advantage.