OM: Ordóñez saga in crisis — Bruges blocking, the frustrated defender demands to leave

In this transfer window, we thought the Joel Ordóñez deal was well underway, but it has turned explosive. The Ecuadorian defender, targeted for several weeks by OM with a firm offer — €25m + €5m in bonuses + a sell-on percentage, for a total of €30m — has suddenly been brought to an abrupt halt. Club Brugge has decided not to sell him after all, even though the offer met their financial expectations. The result? A furious Ordóñez is skipping training, and tensions are at their peak  .

Between frustration and pride

The player has made it clear he wants to join Marseille, convinced by the club’s project and advised by his compatriot Moisés Caicedo, who plays for Chelsea and knows coach Roberto De Zerbi well. Yet Brugge, which extended his contract until 2028, is standing firm — preferring to keep him for their Champions League campaign or wait for an even higher offer. In short, let’s not kid ourselves: it’s the harsh law of transfers where money comes first… even over a player’s loyalty  .

And what if Palace comes knocking?

To make matters worse, Crystal Palace have entered the fray, ready to offer Brugge more and find a replacement for Marc Guehi. Rumors mention an offer around €34m, which would put OM in a tricky spot. But Caicedo is said to have advised Ordóñez to prioritize De Zerbi and OM over the highly competitive landscape of the Premier League  .

The verdict for OM: wait or pivot?

The conclusion is clear: Brugge no longer want to negotiate. If no compromise is reached quickly — for a player who has already made the move in his head — OM risk wasting time in an area where the defense has too often shown its frailties. The transfer window closes at the end of August, and it’s high time to decide whether they really want to commit the resources to strengthen the back line.

So, folks, do we keep believing in this Ordóñez move, even if it means waiting or outbidding? Or is it better to turn to safer options, even if they’re less glamorous? And above all, what should we make of this sudden standoff between club, agent, and player? The transfer market is a jungle, and we get through it together.