Tottenham are reportedly targeting a Club Brugge defender.
Tottenham Hotspur are understood to hold an interest in Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez, according to Spurs Daily on X (Via Spurs Journo), with the report clarifying that any potential pursuit of the young defender is entirely separate from the club’s ongoing interest in Jan Paul van Hecke.
The distinction matters. With De Zerbi understood to be targeting significant defensive reinforcements this summer as part of a wholesale rebuild, the suggestion that Ordonez is being monitored independently of the Van Hecke pursuit indicates Tottenham are casting their net widely across the centre-back market rather than focusing on a single target.
Ordonez has developed into one of the more highly regarded young defenders in Belgian football during his time at Club Brugge, building a reputation for composure in possession, physical presence, and the kind of athletic defensive qualities that translate well to the demands of Premier League football. His profile as a young, high-ceiling centre-back fits the broader recruitment philosophy that the Lewis family and De Zerbi have outlined for the summer rebuild.
Tottenham Hotspur’s defense could undergo significant change over the summer
The defensive picture at Tottenham this summer is becoming increasingly complex. With Cristian Romero attracting a €65 million approach from Manchester United, Micky van de Ven monitored by Liverpool, and Luka Vuskovic now open to leaving with Bayern Munich and Premier League clubs making initial contact, the centre-back position requires urgent and significant attention. Van Hecke, Senesi, and now Ordonez emerging as separate points of interest suggest a coordinated and wide-ranging approach to solving a problem that contributed directly to the club’s near-relegation.
This remains at the rumour stage, and no formal approach has been reported. But with the transfer window about to open in earnest, Tottenham’s defensive recruitment is clearly a priority that De Zerbi and the board are taking extremely seriously.