According to the English media outlet, TeamTalk, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are battling it out to secure the signature of Bayer Leverkusen’s highly sought-after defender, Piero Hincapie. The 22-year-old Ecuadorian has rapidly established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in European football, making him a prime target for top clubs looking to bolster their defensive lines.
Hincapie, born on January 9, 2002, in Ecuador, has made significant strides since his professional debut. He first caught the eye on the international stage during the 2021 Copa America, where he started all five games for Ecuador, helping them reach the quarter-finals. His performances during the tournament led to a move to Bayer Leverkusen at the age of 19, where he quickly became a crucial part of the team. Standing at 6’0″, Hincapie is known for his versatility, capable of playing both as a central defender and a left-back. His technical abilities, coupled with a tenacious playing style, have drawn comparisons to former Bayern Munich defender Lucas Hernandez.
Hincapie’s impact at Leverkusen has been profound. In his debut Bundesliga season, he made 27 appearances with an impressive 85% tackle success rate and an 82% pass completion rate. His development continued on the international stage, where he played a pivotal role in securing Ecuador’s place in the 2022 World Cup, featuring in all of their group stage matches. By the end of the 2023/24 season, Hincapie had helped Leverkusen to a Bundesliga-DFB Cup double, further cementing his reputation as a top defender. He has also accumulated 26 appearances in UEFA club competitions, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest levels.
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made a verbal bid of €25 million for Hincapie, highlighting their determination to strengthen their defensive options as they push for a top-four finish in the Premier League. Spurs have already made significant moves in the January transfer window, including securing Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villarreal and closing in on a deal for Pedro Porro from Sporting Lisbon.
However, it remains to be seen whether Leverkusen will accept Tottenham’s bid. Given Hincapie’s importance to the team and his potential for future growth, Leverkusen may demand a higher fee, particularly considering their recent upturn in form with five consecutive league victories.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have been closely monitoring Hincapie for several months and are prepared to enter the bidding war. With key defensive departures on the horizon, including potential exits for veterans like Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, Liverpool see Hincapie as a long-term solution who could eventually fill the void left by Virgil van Dijk. The Reds are confident that they can outmaneuver Tottenham and Atletico Madrid, who are also in the hunt for the talented defender.
Hincapie’s rise has not gone unnoticed by his coaches and peers. Former Leverkusen head coach Gerardo Seoane expressed his admiration for Hincapie’s ability to adapt quickly to the demands of Bundesliga and European football. Similarly, Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, highlighted the defender’s international quality and emphasized the club’s commitment to his development by extending his contract until the summer of 2027.
Hincapie’s journey from watching videos of Carles Puyol and Sergio Ramos on long bus rides to becoming a key player for Leverkusen and Ecuador is a testament to his dedication and potential. As the transfer window heats up, it remains to be seen which club will secure the services of this rising star. One thing is certain: Piero Hincapie is a name that will be at the forefront of European football for years to come.