Aston Villa had launched their approach for the Ecuador international after failing to agree a fee with Southampton over Taylor Harwood-Bellis, and appeared to be progressing well with Brugge before Palace's late intervention changed the picture.
Reports on the numbers vary, with figures ranging from around €30m to €35m for a deal structured as a loan with an obligation to buy, and Ordóñez — still working his way back from a foot injury — is expected to discuss personal terms with Palace before any medical takes place.
Crystal Palace's urgency stems from injury as much as ambition. Chadi Riad was stretchered off during last Saturday's game against Everton, accelerating the club's need for defensive cover just days after they completed the loan signing of Axel Disasi from Chelsea.
Rather than treat that arrival as sufficient, Sage's side want to add a second centre-back before the window shuts, with Ordóñez viewed as a significantly higher-upside addition than a short-term fix.
The 22-year-old has made 83 league appearances for Brugge since joining in 2023, featured prominently in the club's recent Champions League campaigns, and started three matches for Ecuador at this summer's World Cup. Brugge signed him for around €3.9m three years ago, meaning any fee close to €30m now would represent an exceptional profit — for Villa, missing out leaves Unai Emery needing an alternative at centre-back after also losing Ezri Konsa this window, with the club expected to refocus on Harwood-Bellis.
While that business plays out, Sage has been just as occupied managing the situations around Mateta and Sarr. The Mateta issue stems from a legal dispute over the validity of a unilateral one-year extension Palace triggered on his contract last season, a case that went before a Premier League tribunal before Mateta's camp took it to FIFA, who ruled it fell outside their jurisdiction.
Although the dispute has rumbled on for months, it only became public on Saturday. Sage insists it has not affected the striker's application on the pitch.
"I speak with him every day and, in front of me, I have a guy that is funny, happy to be here," Sage said. "He gives his best in every session. I didn't see a player who has a problem with the club or with us, that's why he played the last game as a starter. Now it is just a problem that will be resolved. It is maybe [the problem] with the man but not with the player, if you want."
Asked directly whether he expects Mateta to remain at Selhurst Park, Sage was unequivocal.
"I think he will stay and, like I told you, he has the behaviour of someone who is happy to be here, who wants to be here and prepared to be here all season. He prefers football to his contract. When you love to play, you play. The guy is wonderful," he said.
Sarr's situation is more delicate. The Senegal international has been linked with a £30m-plus move to Galatasaray after the Turkish club had a bid rejected, and reports in Turkey suggested he was refusing to train, though Sage attributed his absence from Sunday's squad to a groin injury rather than any protest.
"Ismaila Sarr is in individual training because he is really in pain with his groin. But we prepare him, he needs time. I thought it would be quicker, but I am not a doctor," Sage said, confirming Sarr will again be unavailable for Friday's visit of Manchester City. Asked whether he expects Sarr to stay, Sage was more guarded than on Mateta. "For the moment, yeah. Because when you have three years on the contract, it is not easy to leave," he said.
Palace have made clear that Sarr, valued at around £60m, is not for sale, even as his representatives push for a move — leaving the club fighting to keep hold of one attacker while simultaneously trying to add a defender before Tuesday's deadline.