Aston Villa transfer news: Who is Joel Ordonez? 'Contact made' as Ezri Konsa replacement search continues

Aston Villa have reportedly registered an interest in signing Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez.

Unai Emery and his squad are currently preparing to face Brighton & Hove Albion in Sunday's Premier League fixture at the Amex Stadium.

However, the Spaniard is having to pay close attention to the transfer market, particularly with Ezri Konsa having left for Arsenal on Friday.

Villa have been heavily linked with a move for Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Nevertheless, as per The Athletic's David Ornstein, Ordonez has emerged as a potential alternative.

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Aston Villa make Ordonez approach

The report alleges that Villa have approached Club Brugge to ask about the availability of the 22-year-old.

Ordonez is said to have a number of admirers behind the scenes at Villa Park and is a long-term target.

At the same time, it is claimed that it is yet to be determined whether club officials are prepared to meet the Ecuador international's valuation.

He is reportedly on a list of three potential alternatives to Konsa, with Harwood-Bellis and one unnamed player among the candidates.

Club Brugge signed Ordonez as a youngster in the 2022-23 campaign, with appearances initially been made in their academy team.

However, the World Cup representative has gone on to make 128 appearances for Club Brugge in all competitions, scoring seven goals.

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Will Villa move quickly for new centre-back?

After Sunday's game with Brighton, there is over a week before Villa are next in action, with Arsenal the visitors to their West Midlands home on August 31.

Therefore, Emery and the club's recruitment team can afford to bide their time before making a final decision.

Emery is familiar with Ordonez with Villa having played Club Brugge on three occasions during the 2024-25 Champions League.

Including during that period was Ordonez featuring for the full 90 minutes as Club Brugge prevailed 1-0 in a League Phase fixture in November 2024.