Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie is on Liverpool radar

Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie is on Liverpool FC’s radar

New Liverpool head coach Arne Slot inherited an excellent squad from Jurgen Klopp and he evaluated them throughout the pre-season tour. The US pre-season tour went extremely well and Arne Slot had the chance to understand every single player’s strengths and weaknesses.

While the current squad is strong enough to compete for a top-four spot, the Dutchman certainly would want to aim higher than that and make a big mark in his first season in English football. And for Liverpool to challenge for the Premier League as well as other trophies, they desperately need a couple of fresh faces to come through the door before the transfer window’s August 30 deadline.

One of the areas the Reds must reinforce is the defence, especially after the release of Joel Matip at the end of last season. And it seems like the club could go for the jugular after being ‘very interested’ in a central defender.

🚨(🌖) | @ElComerciocom: Piero Hincapié has his days counted at Leverkusen and is very close to signing for a new club. There’s a series of clubs that want him including Liverpool & Tottenham.

🚨(🌗) | @StudioFutbol: Bayern Munich, Tottenham, Atlético de Madrid, AND @LFC want… pic.twitter.com/ppjhC1NLQ3
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) August 16, 2024

According to a report from Ecuadorian outlet Studio Futbol, Liverpool are keen on signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie. A player who models his playing style on Spanish icons Carles Puyol and Sergio Ramos, the Ecuadorian certainly packs a punch.

Piero Hincapie has been a pivotal player for Bayer Leverkusen since arriving from Talleres in the summer of 2021. He was a mainstay at the back for Xabi Alonso’s side that won the Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal Cup whilst going the entire domestic season unbeaten in 2023/24. The 22-year-old made a total of 43 appearances during the highly successful last campaign, scoring a goal.

The Ecuador international’s performances in the Bundesliga have attracted the attention of the top European clubs, including Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid. The report adds that Bayer head coach Xabi Alonso has spoken to Hincapie in a bid to convince him to stay for another season.

Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie is on Liverpool FC's radar. — Piero Hicapie would undoubtedly bolster Liverpool’s defensive ranks if he arrives

Liverpool could do with a new purchase this summer, more so if that player is a central defender who can immediately make an impact in the starting XI. Hincapie, with his ball-playing ability, reading of the game, physicality and physicality fits the criteria perfectly. The youngster’s capability to also operate at left-back or in a back three also adds further value besides his name.

At just 22, the ex-Talleres star has a bright future ahead of him and is already one of the brightest talents in Ecuador. He has his whole career ahead of him and one can only imagine how good he can be in the right environment. Being left-footed, Hincapie will certainly open up new passing lanes and angles on our left flank while also making the role his own.

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While it remains to be seen if he can replace Virgil van Dijk’s aura and leadership skills, the talent is clear for everyone to see. Thus, the Reds must not hesitate to splash the cash for Bayer’s defensive wall. It might be only a matter of time before we know if he is at Anfield and operating alongside Van Dijk or not.