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Aston Villa have endured a summer of change ahead of their opening-day fixture against Brighton in 2026/27. Established players have left, while new players have joined. More departures and arrivals could happen before transfer deadline day. Following the departure of Ezri Konsa to Arsenal, Aston Villa have made contact for a potential replacement. Aston Villa Have New Look Ahead of 2026/27 Season Villa Make Contact for Joel Ordonez It has been a summer of change at Villa Park, with Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne, and Ezri Konsa leaving Villa. They have been active in bringing players in, with Johan Manzambi and Alejandro Garnacho among those joining. Ollie Watkins has also been linked with leaving Aston Villa. As per Jacob Tanswell and David Ornstein of The Athletic, Aston Villa have made an approach to sign Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge. Villa have made their move for the Ecuadorian international following their £18million bid plus add-ons being rejected by Southampton for Taylor Harwood-Bellis. After the sale of Konsa, it’s vital Unai Emery strengthens in defence, and Ordonez is on a list of potential replacements for the England international. Read More: The Greatest Footballers of All Time: Part Two, 1918-1939 It remains to be seen if Villa will go back in for Southampton’s Harwood-Bellis, with the clubs apart on valuation. However, a move for Ordonez is thought to be a more expensive deal than one for Harwood-Bellis would be. The Last Word on Joel Ordonez Ordonez, previously described as “outstanding” by journalist Graeme Bailey, signed for Club Brugge in August 2022 after playing for Ecuadorian clubs Deportivo Azogues and Independiente del Valle. He has 20 caps for Ecuador and, at 22 years old, would provide a long-term replacement for Konsa. Ordonez would provide a physicality to the Villa defence. He excels at defending, whether it be dealing with crosses into the box, timing and interception or dealing with an attacker in a duel. Read More: Top Five Greatest Manager Rants His ability to step out of defence with the ball and begin attacks will be something Emery will appreciate. When you watch the Ecuadorian play, he reads the game well and makes the right decisions more often than not, despite his young age. Losing Konsa is undoubtedly a blow, but signing someone with Ordonez’s ability would be a wise move. Similar Football Content - Enzo Fernandez Deadline Passes – Is He Staying or Going - Manchester United Kit Numbers Released With Eye-Catching Number 9 - Aston Villa Target International With Qualities ‘Hard to Find in Football’ Featured Image Credit: IMAGO/Action Plus