Aston Villa are in advanced discussions with Club Brugge over central defender Joel Ordonez, as manager Unai Emery searches for reinforcements at the back following the departure of Ezri Konsa to Arsenal last week.

The Belgian Pro League club are demanding at least £40 million for the 22-year-old Ecuador international, who has made 124 appearances for Club Brugge since arriving from Independiente del Valle in 2022. Ordonez featured for Ecuador at this summer's World Cup, underscoring his growing reputation as one of the continent's brightest young defenders.

Harwood-Bellis deal stalls

Villa had prioritised a move for Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis, but an offer understood to be worth £18 million was turned down — and negotiations appear to have stalled due to a considerable gap in what the two clubs consider fair value for the 24-year-old. While a deal for Harwood-Bellis cannot be entirely ruled out, Villa have shifted focus toward other targets for now.

Difficult start to the season

The pressure to recruit is mounting after Villa were beaten 4-0 by Brighton on the opening weekend. Emery's squad has also been depleted by the exits of Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne, and Konsa during the current window, leaving the club significantly short of numbers ahead of the 1 September transfer deadline.

Further uncertainty surrounds striker Ollie Watkins, who has attracted interest from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. Should Watkins depart, it would represent yet another significant blow to Villa's first-team depth as they attempt to compete on multiple fronts this season.

With time running short before the window closes, Ordonez represents Villa's most concrete pursuit for defensive cover — and Club Brugge's firm valuation means any agreement will require a substantial outlay.