Chelsea are set to sign one of Ecuador’s brightest young talents, with 16-year-old centre-back Deinner Ordonez expected to join the club in January 2028.
The defender plays for Independiente del Valle, a club known for developing some of the best young players in South America, and the deal is reported to be worth around £19 million.
Ordonez is already viewed as a top prospect despite his age. So much so that FC Barcelona, Liverpool, and Benfica were after the young prospect’s signature.
Because he is still under 18, FIFA rules prevent him from moving to Europe immediately. That is why Chelsea have agreed a future transfer, with the defender set to arrive once he turns 18 in early 2028.
Independiente del Valle have accepted Chelsea’s offer and all conditions related to the transfer.
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Chelsea’s long-term youth strategy continues
The Ecuadorian club has a strong history of preparing young players for top-level football, which means Ordonez will continue developing in a competitive environment before heading to London.
This move fits Chelsea’s long-term strategy of investing heavily in young talent. The club has been building a core of future stars, many of them from South America.
Ordonez will join a path already taken by other Ecuadorian talents, such as Moises Caicedo and Kendry Paez, who also came through Independiente del Valle’s academy.
For Chelsea, securing Ordonez is another step toward strengthening the club’s future. For the young defender, it is the start of a major opportunity – one that could shape the rest of his career as he prepares for the eventual jump to European football.
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