Crystal Palace is reportedly gearing up to reignite their pursuit of Club Brugge defender Joel Ordóñez in the January transfer window, after a summer move was scuppered by fitness concerns. The Eagles were on the verge of signing the Ecuadorian international in late August, with personal terms agreed and Ordóñez keen on a move to Selhurst Park.
However, the transfer hit a snag during final medical checks. According to Fabrizio Romano, Ordóñez had given his "yes" to joining Palace for a fee around €30 million (£26 million) plus add-ons. Unfortunately, medical examinations revealed that a foot injury sustained at the World Cup was more severe than initially anticipated. The injury, reportedly a broken metatarsal, prompted Palace to pull the plug on the deal to avoid a significant investment in a player facing a lengthy recovery period.
Palace quickly pivoted, securing the loan of 18-year-old Honest Ahanor from Atalanta for the season, with an agreement for him to officially join Chelsea next summer. Despite this, the Ordóñez saga might not be over. Reports suggest Palace are already planning to revisit the deal in January, once they've had a chance to monitor the defender's recovery progress.
While walking away from the deal in the summer was a prudent move, the situation could be different in January. Spending over £25 million on a player with a serious injury would have been a risky gamble. Ahanor provides immediate cover, leaving the door open for Ordóñez later. This January strategy makes sense, allowing Palace to gather more reliable information if Ordóñez returns to full fitness and starts playing consistently for Club Brugge.
Ordóñez remains an attractive prospect. At 22, he aligns with Palace's strategy of targeting young defenders with physical potential and resale value. His ball-playing ability would also complement a team aiming for more progressive play. The main challenge could be increased competition if Ordóñez returns strongly, potentially driving up his price or making Club Brugge less willing to negotiate at the original valuation.
