Liverpool has been working to rebuild its midfielders this summer, but strengthening its center backs is also an issue that cannot be overlooked. With Joel Matip showing signs of decline and Joe Gomez failing to showcase his top play, the club is interested in a left-handed center back.
While Dutch U-21 defender Mickey van de Ven, who moved to Tottenham, and Portuguese defender Gonzalo Inácio, who has agreed a contract extension with Sporting, were rumored targets, England U-21 international Levi Colwill was relentlessly pursued but signed a long-term contract with Chelsea.
However, Liverpool’s attitude has not changed and they continue to have their eyes on the center back. According to Fussball Transfers, they are tracking Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen, and may make an offer.
West Ham, that pulled out of the race for England defender Harry Maguire, and RB Leipzig are also interested, and the battle for the 21-year-old center back may intensify.
The young defender, who can also play at left back, has been with the club since the summer of 2021. Last season, he played a total of 43 games in the Bundesliga, Champions League, and Europa League, and has earned the trust of coach Xabi Alonso, who took over midway through the season.
As is typical of South American players, he has a deft touch on the ball. He can pass and dribble, and he also runs forward to create chances. He is also aggressive on the ball and has the skills to compete in the Premier League.
He can also be calculated as a left back in place of Andy Robertson, as Liverpool has recently been playing with a variable three-back formation. This could be an interesting addition to the team, as it could allow them to use a formation that is currently unavailable.
At the moment, Liverpool is focusing all its efforts on further reinforcement of midfielders, but will they be able to secure a new center back by the time the transfer market closes?