Chelsea’s interest in signing Ecuador defender Joel Ordonez must now come to an end after his nightmare performance on the big stage at the World Cup.
Ordonez has been a name on Chelsea’s transfer list for a number of years now following strong showings consistently for Club Brugge in Belgium.
The centre-back featured in Ecuador’s starting XI against Mexico in the World Cup Round of 32 against Mexico, alongside Blues star Moises Caicedo.
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Chelsea target Joel Ordonez rules himself out of move with World Cup shocker
While Caicedo impressed Ecuadorian media, Ordonez had a shocker, and was subbed off after just 45 minutes and his side already 2-0 down.
The 22-year-old made an error that led to a goal, and didn’t win a single game as the South Americans were dominated in the early stages of the game.
Ordonez didn’t win a single duel during his time on the pitch, and played a large part in his country’s exit from the competition.
While the Blues will be buoyed that Caicedo is being handed a rare month of rest now, Ecuador will be gutted that their time at the World Cup has come to an end, with Ordonez likely feeling more guilty than most.
Chelsea are on the hunt for a new centre-back this summer, with Xabi Alonso even making it clear that he would like two new faces at the club for next season.
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Chelsea can do so much better than Ordonez
Ordonez has been previously valued at £35m, and offering no Premier League experience does not make him a standout option for them to sign this summer.
Chelsea are keen on Maxence Lacroix, who has a number of years of playing in England under his belt, including winning three trophies in two seasons at Crystal Palace.
Lacroix also has experience featuring in a back three under Oliver Glasner, a system which many are expecting Alonso to bring with him to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s early transfer targets have hinted that the club are willing to sign players that fit in with the new manager, and need to continue this throughout the summer.
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