Crystal Palace target Joel Ordonez after Shadi Riad suffers ACL injury

Crystal Palace defender Shadi Riad has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, prompting the club to move for Ecuador international Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge.

Riad sustained the injury during Palace’s 2-0 defeat by Everton in the opening round of the Premier League last Saturday. The Moroccan defender is now facing another extended period on the sidelines after a series of knee problems since joining the London club.

According to Sky Sports, Riad has spent 430 days unavailable because of knee injuries since his move to Crystal Palace. He has made only 16 appearances in all competitions for the club since arriving in 2024.

Palace have begun discussions over signing Ordonez to strengthen their defence and the Ecuadorian has been given permission to undergo a medical. The proposed agreement would see the 22-year-old join on loan until the end of the season, with an obligation for Crystal Palace to complete a permanent transfer for £24m.

Ordonez joined Club Brugge in 2023 and has helped the Belgian side win four trophies. He is expected to provide defensive cover as Palace deal with the latest setback to Riad’s fitness.

Riad, who previously played for Barcelona and Real Betis, has won the Europa League, the Community Shield and the FA Cup with Crystal Palace over the past two seasons. However, his progress has been repeatedly interrupted by injury, with his latest problem coming in Palace’s first league match of the new campaign.

The defender’s injury is a significant blow for Palace, who are due to face Manchester City on Friday evening in the opening match of the second round of the Premier League. The club are therefore seeking to add Ordonez quickly as they prepare for a demanding period of domestic competition.

Ordonez’s possible arrival would give manager Oliver Glasner another option in central defence, while Palace wait to learn how long Riad will be absent. The Ecuadorian has established himself at Club Brugge since moving there in 2023 and has been part of a side that has collected four honours during his time with the Belgian club.

Palace’s immediate priority is Friday’s meeting with Manchester City, but their decision to pursue Ordonez underlines the seriousness of Riad’s latest injury. The proposed loan deal, together with the compulsory £24m purchase, would allow the club to reinforce their defence now while securing a long-term replacement option.