Paris Saint-Germain has made rejuvenating its defense one of its top priorities. This summer, the capital club already struck a first blow in the transfer market with the arrival of young Ukrainian international Illia Zabarnyi, expected to embody the future of the central defender position at the Parc des Princes. But far from resting on their laurels, Luis Campos and his recruitment team seem intent on adding yet another gem to their project. And this time, all eyes are on Belgium, where a talent already arousing the covetousness of half of Europe is playing: Joel Ordóñez.

Aged just 21, the Ecuadorian international currently plays for Club Bruges. Already described by many observers as one of the continent’s most promising defenders, he combines physical power, reading the game, and surprising maturity for his age. These qualities have obviously not escaped PSG’s radar, since, according to  Foot Mercato , Luis Campos and his assistants have been monitoring him very closely for several months. The Portuguese even reportedly sent emissaries to watch several of his matches before considering a first offensive.

But while Paris thought they had a head start on this issue, the reality could be much more complicated. Indeed, several Premier League clubs have already positioned themselves, and not just any clubs. According to the latest information relayed by journalist Graeme Bailey ( TBR Football ), Chelsea and Aston Villa sent their scouts during the international break to closely observe Ordóñez’s performances with Ecuador. This is irrefutable proof that the interest is real and that the battle is likely to intensify as early as the January transfer window, or even next summer.

Added to this is a third English contender: West Ham United. The Hammers, renowned for scouting emerging talent, have also reportedly been eyeing the Club Bruges defender’s name for several months. As a result, Joel Ordóñez now finds himself at the center of a real recruitment war between Ligue 1 and the Premier League.

The situation is all the more delicate for Paris as Club Bruges has no intention of selling off its star player. The Belgian club is reportedly demanding between €25 and €30 million to consider a move, a significant sum but far from unattainable for a player with strong resale potential. However, this valuation could quickly rise if English clubs decide to leverage their financial muscle.

For PSG, the argument isn’t just about money. The club can highlight its sporting project, its ability to give playing time to young talent, and the example of other recent successes. Especially since Paris has already seen an Ecuadorian shine at the highest European level: Willian Pacho, who is now enjoying a successful career at Eintracht Frankfurt and whose meteoric rise could convince Ordóñez to follow a similar trajectory, this time in the Parisian jersey.

However, the Premier League remains an irresistible magnet for young South American players. The global visibility, astronomical salaries, and intensity of the English league represent an argument that few clubs can counter. In this context, Paris will have to act quickly, propose a solid project, and convince the player that his future lies at the Parc des Princes rather than Stamford Bridge or Villa Park.

The coming weeks are therefore shaping up to be crucial. If PSG decides to make a move in January, they could leapfrog the competition. But one thing is certain: the Joel Ordóñez case will only intensify, and the battle between Paris and England could well become one of the most exciting dramas of the next transfer window.

For Luis Campos and the Parisian management, this isn’t just a recruitment exercise. It’s a real-life test: is PSG still capable of competing with Premier League clubs to attract the young talents of tomorrow? The answer could well come down to this duel around an Ecuadorian defender who has yet to finish making waves