Chelsea and Liverpool Lock Horns in Race for South American Wonderkids — Including Robinho’s Son
Chelsea and Liverpool are preparing for another showdown off the pitch, with both clubs chasing two of South America’s brightest teenage prospects: Deinner Ordóñez and Robinho Junior.
Chelsea’s scouting machine in the region shows no signs of slowing. After snapping up Moises Caicedo, Kendry Páez, and welcoming Estevão to London, the Blues are now pushing hard for Ordóñez, a 15-year-old centre-back already valued at £14 million.
The Independiente del Valle defender has made history this year as the youngest player in a decade to appear at the South American U20 Championships, earning four caps for Ecuador. Standing over six feet tall, he’s praised for his calmness in possession and versatility — a right-footer often deployed at left centre-back. Comparisons with Piero Hincapié, Arsenal’s summer signing, are growing louder.
Chelsea are expected to propose a Páez-style deal: secure Ordóñez now and allow him to remain in Ecuador until he turns 18. The presence of Páez and Caicedo at Stamford Bridge could further tilt the scales in their favor.
But Liverpool are circling. The Reds have sent scouts to track Ordóñez and are reportedly just as impressed by his mix of strength and composure. They’re also widening their net, with strong interest in Robinho Junior — the 17-year-old son of ex-Manchester City forward Robinho.
Currently at Santos, where his father’s career first took off, Robinho Junior has already been promoted to the senior squad after shining at U20 level with four goals. While still raw with only 52 senior minutes under his belt, his flair and potential have alerted Europe’s elite.
With Chelsea, Liverpool, and other top clubs in the hunt, the South American talent race is heating up once again. Just as Páez and Estevão did before them, Ordóñez and Robinho Junior could soon become the latest teenage stars caught in a multi-million-pound transfer tug-of-war.
