Club Brugge will soon face a double confrontation with Atlético Madrid in the Champions League play-offs. Two weeks before that diptych, Diego Simeone and co. starting with their psychological warfare. Finally, according to Spanish media, they suddenly want to come shopping in Westkapelle.
Just like in most other countries, the winter mercato is of course closed in Spain. A relief for Ivan Leko, who threatened to lose many strong players in January. Blauw-Zwart managed to keep Christos Tzolis and Joel Ordonez on board, but it seems a foregone conclusion that they will visit other places next summer.
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Atlético wil Ordonez
Club rejected lucrative offers of up to 40 million for the duo. Ordonez appears to be particularly sought after in the Premier League, where Crystal Palace was prepared to pay a lot of money for the still only 21-year-old Ecuadorian. However, many top teams are reportedly also keeping an eye on him, with Liverpool as the most concrete candidate.
Ordonez was previously linked to Chelsea and PSG, among others. You can follow that list Transfers now Atlético Madrid are also being added. “The defender is on the shortlist for next summer,” it said. Ordonez is being put forward as “one of the greatest talents in Europe” and therefore an ideal asset to rejuvenate Madrid’s defense.
Green light Simeone
The 14-time international, who can also play at right back, fits Simeone’s plans like a glove with his combination of physical assets, experience and tactical ingenuity. If they are serious about freeing him, the Spaniards will have to dig deep into their pockets. Its price tag is estimated at no less than 45 million.
Moreover, Ordonez, who is fixed in Bruges until mid-2029, can increase that market value even further at the World Cup. According to the above source, scouts from Atlético already went to Jan Breydel to see him live and Simeone even gave the green light to push through quickly. Or is it merely an attempt to destabilize Club before their mutual match?
