Club Brugge Eye Internal Replacements for Departing Defender Joel Ordonez
BRUGES, Belgium – club Brugge is preparing for the likely summer 2026 departure of central defender Joel Ordonez and is increasingly focused on promoting talent from within its own ranks too fill the void. The Belgian club appears set to prioritize developing players currently within the Club NXT system as successors,perhaps saving significantly on transfer fees and maintaining squad continuity.
OrdonezS anticipated exit necessitates bolstering the central defense, and Club Brugge has already taken proactive steps. Last winter, Vince Osuji, a 19-year-old nigerian, joined Club NXT from Swedish side kalmar FF for approximately €3 million, signaling the club’s intent to build for the future. Osuji mirrors Ordonez’s own path, with a potential transition from the reserve team to the A-core squad on the horizon.
Alongside Osuji, 20-year-old Ivorian defender bi Abdoul Kader Yameogo is also in contention. Yameogo has spent the past two years with Club NXT, accumulating significant playing time for the promises team despite a recent injury layoff. With his current contract expiring in June 2026, Club Brugge is reportedly considering a contract extension to integrate him into future first-team plans, according to sources in African football media.
The potential promotion of Osuji and Yameogo represents a strategic shift towards utilizing the club’s youth development system, offering cost-effective solutions and opportunities for homegrown talent. Club Brugge will be closely evaluating both players’ progress in the coming months to determine their readiness for regular first-team action.
