Ibrahima Konaté became as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, shining as the ideal partner of Virgil van Dijk. Despite his great importance in the squad, he has decided to leave <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/liverpool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liverpool</a> as a free agent after several months of negotiations. Following this, they will be forced to strengthen their defensive line. With this in mind, Joel Ordóñez reportedly emerges as an option in a €54 million move.



According to Graeme Bailey, via teamTALK, the Reds have identified Joel Ordóñez as a major transfer target for the summer of 2026. At just 22 years old, the Ecuadorian defender is already an undisputed starter for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/club-brugge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Club Brugge KV</a>, which is why his transfer is valued at around $55 million. Despite this, his price could increase further if he becomes a starter and shines at the 2026 World Cup. His athleticism, vision, and defensive aggression make him a strong candidate.



As a highly promising player, Joel Ordóñez is reportedly attracting interest from more than just Liverpool in the Premier League. As reported by teamTALK, Chelsea and Manchester City are also closely monitoring the Ecuadorian defender. With several competitors in the race and the 2026 World Cup approaching, the Reds may need to move quickly to secure his signing before his value continues to rise and a deal becomes more complicated.



<h2>Liverpool have several defensive reinforcements on their radar</h2>



Liverpool FC are coming off a rather disappointing season. Because of this, numerous changes have taken place within the squad, suggesting that further investment may be needed. However, the defensive line appears set to be one of the most heavily reinforced areas, as not only will Jérémy Jacquet join the team, but another defensive signing may be required. With this in mind, not only is Joel Ordóñez being linked with the club, but several other players as well.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/06/02173018/van-de-Ven-Silva-Diomande-1920x1080.webp" alt="Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur, Antonio Silva of SL Benfica and Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP." class="wp-image-649020"><figcaption>Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur, Antonio Silva of SL Benfica and Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP.</figcaption></figure>



With Iraola’s arriving as the new head coach, the Reds are looking to strengthen their defensive line, once again adding <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/micky-van-de-ven/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Micky van de Ven</a> of Tottenham Hotspur to the list. Despite this, he could leave for a massive transfer fee, complicating his arrival. Because of this, António Silva of SL Benfica and Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP have also been added, making it clear that efforts will be made in the summer of 2026, reports Graeme Bailey via teamTALK.


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As one of the most decisive areas, Liverpool FC have decided not to move forward with any of the mentioned candidates yet, as they already have two young prospects in Giovanni Leoni and Jérémy Jacquet. With this in mind, Iraola could need a defender with guaranteed experience at the elite level, something only Van de Ven offers. Because of this, the Reds could make the decision after the 2026 World Cup, as a decisive factor.

Ibrahima Konaté’s Liverpool replacement found as Joel Ordonez reportedly emerges as an option in a $54 million deal

Ibrahima Konaté's Liverpool replacement found as Joel Ordonez reportedly emerges as an option in a $54 million deal - World Soccer Talk

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Even though <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/tottenham-hotspur/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tottenham Hotspur</a> are enduring a disappointing season, Micky van de Ven has managed to establish as one of the standout players in the Premier League. In response, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/manchester-united/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manchester Unite</a><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/manchester-united/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">d</a> reportedly keep him as a top target following Lisandro Martínez’s injury problems. However, they would have to compete with Liverpool, as uncertainty remains surrounding both Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté.



According to Laurie Whitwell via The Athletic, the Red Devils are closely monitoring <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/micky-van-de-ven/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Micky van de Ven</a>’s development. In case Tottenham Hotspur were to be relegated to the EFL Championship, the Dutchman could push for a move away, potentially facilitating any negotiations. With his pace, ball control, and physical presence, he is seen as a difference-maker amid the recurring injuries of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martínez.



Despite Manchester United’s interest, securing his signing would not be straightforward. According to The Athletic, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/liverpool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liverpool</a> are also closely monitoring Micky van de Ven’s development, as they previously pursued his signing. Given this interest, the Red Devils could lose ground in the race for the Dutchman, as the defender would clearly prioritize a move to Anfield, according to Ben Jacobs, an English soccer expert journalist, via United Stand.



With a contract running until 2029 at Tottenham Hotspur, van de Ven’s departure could be quite complicated, as at 25 years old he is a key pillar of the team’s defense. For this reason, he would be valued at $135 million, reports TEAMtalk. If they remain in the Premier League, Liverpool and Manchester United would battle to secure his signing. This would be very different if Tottenham were to be relegated to the EFL Championship.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/01/21155155/van-de-Ven-1920x1080.webp" alt="Tottenham Hotspur&apos;s Micky van de Ven" class="wp-image-617069"><figcaption>Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates his team’s first goal.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Not only Van de Ven: Senesi reportedly draws Man United and Liverpool</h2>



Throughout the 2025–26 season, Marcos Senesi has established as one of the best players in the Premier League. After announcing his departure from AFC Bournemouth as a free agent, the Argentine has attracted the attention of several clubs. Given the difficulty of securing Micky van de Ven’s signing, both Manchester United and Liverpool have reportedly shown interest in bringing him in, as he would offer immediate impact.


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With the potential departure of Virgil van Dijk in 2027, the Reds are targeting Senesi as a world-class reinforcement. However, Lisandro Martínez’s injury issues are also forcing Manchester United to look for reliable reinforcements, making Marcos a key target for them as well, reports Ben Jacobs. With extensive Premier League experience and being a left-footed defender, he is the most accessible candidate for both teams—something that van de Ven does not offer.



With this in mind, Liverpool and Manchester United appear determined to pursue defensive reinforcements. As a free agent, Senesi is in the best position, as he is reportedly turning down moves to Serie A and focusing on staying in the Premier League. With Van Dijk still under contract, Senesi might not be guaranteed a starting role, something he could have with the Red Devils, who would have the advantage if they qualify for the Champions League.

Micky van de Ven reportedly emerges as Manchester United main target, battling with Liverpool

Micky van de Ven reportedly emerges as Manchester United main target, battling with Liverpool - World Soccer Talk

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has announced some unfortunate news regarding key players in the team. The club’s boss confirmed that both James Maddison and Micky van de Ven will likely be out of action until January. Both stars were forced to be substituted in the first half of the team’s 4-1 defeat to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> on Monday.



Postecoglou delivered updates on the duo during a press conference on Friday. “It’s fair to say a fair bit happened after Monday,” Postecoglou <a href="https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/2023/november/team-news-van-de-ven-maddison-richarlison-davies-updates-wolves-vs-spurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> reporters. “Micky, as we saw the other night, has a fairly significant hamstring injury. Without putting a firm timeline on it, it’s at least a couple of months out for him so we’re looking at the new year with him.”



The Dutch defender has been a smash hit since arriving from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/wolfsburg-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-the-us/">Wolfsburg</a> in a $44 million deal this summer. He has previously started every match for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/tottenham-tv-schedule/">Spurs</a> so far this season. Nevertheless, it seems as if Postecoglou will be without van de Ven for at least the next nine matches.



Much like the defender, Maddison will be sidelined for a significant period as well. The playmaker went down with an ankle injury on Monday but was able to continue in the match for a few minutes. Nevertheless, Postecoglou made the move to substitute the midfielder at the same time as van de Ven.



“[Maddison] is a lot worse than we thought,” proclaimed Postecoglou. “He came off with an ankle injury and the next day wasn’t great, so we sent him for a scan. Again, probably into the new year for him.”



<h2>Star Spurs forward also had surgery earlier this week</h2>



Missing multiple key players is never an ideal situation for any club. However, the timing of the two latest setbacks particularly comes at a difficult time. Spurs have already been without Ivan Perisic, Manor Solomon, Ryan Sessegnon, and Ben Davies due to various injuries. The latter defender, however, has recently returned to training.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/16053404/Micky-van-de-ven-injury-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-468863" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><figcaption>Micky van de Ven has been a mainstay in the Spurs defensive line, but he will miss extended time with injury.</figcaption></figure>



Richarlison also underwent surgery this week to repair a nagging groin injury as well. While the forward only just went under the knife, he will likely be back on the pitch before Maddison and van de Ven. Postecoglou told reporters on Friday that Richarlison is set to return to action in about a month.



“Richy had his surgery. To be fair to him, he’s kind of battled through it pretty much for the whole season so far,” continued the coach. “With the international window coming up, it gave us the chance to get it done now. He should only be (out) for four weeks at this stage so not too long after the international break.”



<h2>Spurs to be without up to 8 players for Wolves trip due to injury</h2>



To make matters worse, Spurs will also be without Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie for their trip to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/wolves-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Wolves</a> on Saturday. The defensive duo was both sent off during the contentious matchup with Chelsea earlier in the week. 



Romero is set to miss the club’s next three matches due to a dangerous tackle on Enzo Fernandez. Udogie, on the other hand, only received two yellow cards. This means that the full-back will only miss one match. Spurs are next set to face Wolves in the early match on Saturday, Nov. 11.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Spurs star duo out until January as club hits injury crisis

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou told reporters on Friday that James Maddison and Micky van de Ven will likely be sidelined with injury.

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