Liverpool are actively looking for defensive reinforcements ahead of the summer transfer period as Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie has emerged as a major target.
The contract status for Virgil Van Dijk has not been resolved and the uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konaté’s future has made Reds prepared for potential defensive changes.
Several centre-backs have linked to Bournemouth’s move to Anfield, including Spanish outlook Dean Huyssen.
However, one name that continues to resurface is Liverpool’s long-term goal, Hincapie. The club reportedly followed him last summer and remained interested in securing his services.
According to reports from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg and Teresa Otten, Liverpool is interested in Ecuador International, which has signed with Bayer Leverkusen until 2029.
His signature competition is fierce, and Spanish giants Real Madrid have also shown strong interest.
The 23-year-old, valued at around 50 million euros, is considered one of Europe’s most promising defenders.
What Xabi Alonso said about Liverpool’s Target Hincapie
The trip to Hincapie’s top is remarkable. He began his career in Ecuador and advanced his local academy before joining Indipendi El Delval in 2016.
After making his first team breakthrough in 2019, he attracted the attention of Argentine Crab Torles, who signed him in 2020.
He moved to Europe a year later and joined Bayer Leverkusen in August 2021, and Hincapy made an immediate impact, scoring his first goal in a clash with Celtic in the Europa League, establishing himself as a key figure in the team.
His contributions were crucial in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title victory in the 2023-24 season, further strengthening his reputation as a top-tier defender.
This season he was featured in 37 matches in all competitions, while maintaining consistency and registering three goals and two assists.
Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso publicly praised Hincapie, describing him as a “very modern defender” who can play in multiple positions.
He said (as quoted by the Express):
“I think he’s a very modern defender. He can play in a variety of positions. He serves us as a fullback in recent games, but he was also the left centre-back when he played in the back three.
“He is offensive and makes better decisions when he has the ball, making better decisions to make diagonal passes and get in behind.
Playable as both centre-back and left-back, Hincapié offers the versatility Liverpool is looking for. His blend of offensive yet constructed defensive and tactical recognition makes him an ideal fit for Arne Slot’s system.
If Liverpool can dodge the competition with Madrid, securing Hinkapie could be a critical step in reshaping their defensive future.