Journo pours cold water on Liverpool rekindling their interest in the next Carles Puyol

Ben Jacobs confirms Liverpool are not in for Piero Hincapie this summer

Speaking on Playback, journalist Ben Jacobs has ruled out Liverpool from making a move for Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie in the ongoing summer transfer window.

It is no secret that Liverpool are in the market for a new centre-back. Addressing this, Jacobs confirmed that while the Reds do have an eye on a Bundesliga star, it is not Hincapie. The Ecuadorian star is coming off an excellent 2023-24 campaign that saw him aid Bayer Leverkusen to the domestic double.

Liverpool have been tracking Hincapie for a while now, and have been linked with a move for him in the recent transfer windows. While the 22-year-old remains one of the best prospects in his position in Europe, an Anfield move this summer appears unlikely.

Ben Jacobs confirms Liverpool are not in for Piero Hincapie this summer.

“Piero Hincapie can be ruled out. We constantly hear links about Liverpool and Hincapie, but I’m told they’re not in for his signature.”

Primarily a left-back, Hincapie can also play as a centre-back when needed. A dynamic presence, his reading of the game and his ability on the ball make him a proper player who can make a difference in the modern game. At 22, he is still improving and has the potential to develop into a world-class star in the years to come.

Hincapie has often been compared to Cristian Romero but the player himself has modelled his style after Spanish icons Carles Puyol and Sergio Ramos. Now managed by another Spaniard Xabi Alonso, there is every reason to believe the Ecuadorian can fulfil his potential.

It is pretty unfortunate that we are not in for Hincapie, given his skill set. The 22-year-old would have slotted in well at Anfield and added to a contingent of South Americans who play a key role in the first XI. His signing would have helped take the heat off not just Virgil van Dijk but also Andy Robertson on the left flank.

Leverkusen will be keen to keep hold of their title-winning side and it remains to be seen if they are even ready to listen to offers. The Reds were well aware of Alonso’s plans to stay put and quickly moved on to Arne Slot. This could very well just be a case of Liverpool being more pragmatic than chasing players who are unattainable at this moment in time.

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One player Jacobs has confirmed Liverpool are after this summer is Willian Pancho. The Ecuadorian is another impressive youngster and has the potential to be a game-changer in the long term. Whether that is who the Reds will turn to to replace Joel Matip remains to be seen.