Crystal Palace are reportedly in the market for a new defender and will prioritise signing a replacement for Marc Guehi this summer. Losing the English centre-back was always going to have an impact, and Steve Parish’s transfer chiefs are tasked with an incredibly difficult job.
Guehi was a stalwart at the back for the Eagles, captaining his side to the FA Cup trophy last season. He brought an end to his four and a half season spell at Selhurst Park in January when he joined Manchester City for £20m.
The 25-year-old has made an immediate impact at the Etihad and has become a rock at the back for Pep Guardiola. Jaydee Canvot arrived last summer and has fared well, but he is still only 19, and the club are searching for a more experienced profile.
‘Angry’ Ordonez wanted Palace move
Crystal Palace hold a long-term interest in Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez, who is also on Liverpool’s wishlist heading into the summer transfer window. The 21-year-old has shown maturity beyond his years and been superb in the Belgian league, putting out fires and even coming up trumps from set pieces.
Ordonez arrived at Selhurst Park in January, and the player himself has now opened up on his frustrations after the move collapsed.
The Ecuadorian told Gazet Van Antwerpen: “I’m indeed a calm person, someone who always keeps a level head. You see that on the pitch too. If opponents challenge me, I never react, but at that moment, I was really angry, yes. Those had been stressful weeks, too.”
Ordonez remained at Club Brugge and has been a key man in Ivan Leko’s defence. He touched on refocusing on his current team despite missing out on a move to Palace:
“Yet I was able to quickly turn things around afterwards. I’m no longer sad about that missed transfer and I’m just happy to be here. Everything happens for a reason after all.“
All eyes on Ordonez
Ordonez is likely to be one to watch in the summer transfer window with several clubs looking to sign a new central defender. Palace are reportedly still tracking him alongside Toulouse’s Charlie Cresswell and Lyon’s Ruben Kluivert.
Liverpool are mentioned in a TEAMtalk report as a potential suitor, given the uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate’s future. The Frenchman’s contract expires this summer, and he has yet to agree on terms for an extension.
The same outlet claims that Ordonez, a Liverpool fan, is likely to cost around €40m (£35m). He will have three years left on his contract, and he hinted at a big desire to play in the Premier League during his interview.
