Crystal Palace Set Sights on Club Brugge Star

Crystal Palace look to sign Marc Guehi Replacement

Crystal Palace have approached Club Brugge over the transfer of 21-year-old prospect Joel Ordonez.

The Eagles have had a whirlwind two weeks, the abrupt departure of Marc Guehi, the announcement of Oliver Glasner's decision to leave at the end of the season and Jean-Phillippe Mateta forcing a move to AC Milan.

Palace have a lot to do this window if they want to save their season.

🚨 Crystal Palace's record bid of nearly €40 million for Ordóñez was turned down by Club Brugge.@hlnsport / @tomaztaecke pic.twitter.com/PHzmoq1GTy

— Palace Report (@PalaceReport) February 1, 2026

Who is Joel Ordonez?

The 21-year-old Ecuadorian international has featured over 100 times for Brugge since his arrival back in 2022 and possesses a very impressive CV.

Ordonez is a very exciting young talent and had links to Liverpool throughout the transfer window, but that halted with the signing of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes.

Palace should jump at the opportunity to swipe him off Liverpool’s hands. The centre back would be a statement signing for fans.

With the club’s poor run of form, signing a player of this calibre would be a complete shock.

The Eagles have already put in a record bid of $40 million for the defender, but saw this rejected with Brugge demanding much more.

Palace looks unlikely to revisit with an improved offer, but keep an eye on this one as we could see Brugge budge on their asking price.

Steve Parish had a similar bid rejected in the summer for Sporting’s Diomande, and fans will grow frustrated if they lose this one too.

🥇 | @HLN_BE: Although Liverpool remain interested in Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez, Crystal Palace have now submitted a “monstrous bid” to bring the 21-year-old to Selhurst Park. pic.twitter.com/fiej1dz15u

— Anfield Edition | æ (@AnfieldEdition) February 2, 2026

Crystal Palace Alternatives

Oliver Glasner’s side is wasting no time this window and has since turned its attention to the likes of Ethan Pinnock and Max Kilman.

Fans will be begging for the club to go all in on Ordonez, with other targets underwhelming.