Crystal Palace are in the market for a new defender and will prioritise signing a Marc Guehi replacement 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. His four and a half seasons at Selhurst Park ended in January.
The 25-year-old joined Manchester City for £20m in January and has made an immediate impact at the Etihad. While Jaydee Canvot has fared well since arriving last summer, he is still only 19, and the club are searching for a more experienced profile.
‘Angry’ Ordonez wanted Palace move
Palace hold a long-term interest in Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez, who is also on Liverpool’s wishlist. The 21-year-old has shown maturity beyond his years and been superb in the Belgian league.
Ordonez was on the club’s radar in January and almost arrived at Selhurst Park. 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.“
| Joel Ordonez (Belgian Pro League 2025-26) | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances: | 21 |
| Goals: | 3 |
| Assists: | 0 |
| Interceptions: | 0.8 |
| Tackles per game: | 1.0 |
| Clearances per game: | 2.9 |
| Blocked shots per game: | 0.5 |
| Total duels won: | 4.3 (60%) |
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 reportedly still have him on their shortlist 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.
