Palace had previously been closing in on a loan deal with an obligation to buy. Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty ImagesAug. 28, 2026 Updated 1:50 pm EDTCrystal Palace’s move for Joel Ordonez is in serious doubt due to complications surrounding the Club Brugge centre-back’s existing injury.Palace were closing in on a deal for Ordonez after making an offer of a loan with a conditional obligation to buy for a fee in the region of €30million (£25m), though there is now a pessimism on both sides regarding the proposed transfer.It is a blow to Palace’s pursuit of a new centre-back, with Chadi Riad set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining another anterior cruciate ligament injury. The Morocco international was taken off on a stretcher in Palace’s opening day defeat against Everton on Saturday.Riad suffered an ACL tear in January last year, keeping him out for almost a year, which came after a medial collateral ligament injury sustained in August 2024. Palace hope that Riad could still play a part in their season, potentially towards the conclusion of the campaign.Palace have moved to reinforce their defence this summer, with centre-back Maxence Lacroix having already the club to join Chelsea for £52m, with Axel Disasi heading in the other direction on loan later in the window. Aston Villa had also pursued Ordonez, making a similar offer of a loan with obligation.Chris Richards, Jaydee Canvot and Takehiro Tomiyasu are manager Pierre Sage’s other first team options at centre-back.Ordonez had been a player targeted by Palace in the past, with the south London club making an offer in the winter transfer window which could have reached €40m.The Ecuador international is contracted to Brugge until 2028 and has made 128 appearances for the Belgian side, scoring seven goals.