Liverpool attempted to acquire a left-footed centre-back last summer.They are believed to have approached England defender Levi Colwill, who was in contract renewal talks with Chelsea, but the 21-year-old centre-back committed his future to the club where he spent his academy days.
At the same time, Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen, was rumoured to be of interest from Liverpool and has since been named. The defender, who can also play at left-back, has developed under Xabi Alonso.
According to Christian Falk, a German journalist, the 22-year-old centre-back is being keenly watched by English clubs such as Liverpool and Tottenham, but could be on the move this summer depending on the departure of German defender Jonathan Tarr from the same club.
“So far, the [Bundesliga] leaders have a strong squad from positions one to 18. If Jonathan Tah stays, another central defender may want to leave to play at another club: Piero Hincapié (22).”
“The Ecuadorian is being courted by English clubs like Tottenham. Transfer fee: at least €40m, which Simon Rolfes and Xabi Alonso could immediately invest in the new team.”
Daily Briefing
The Esmeraldas-born centre-back tried out for the Bundesliga in the summer of 2021 from CA Talleres. He has made a total of 109 appearances for Leverkusen and is regarded as a key player, although not an absolute regular this season.
With a lack of left-footed centre-backs in their current squad, Liverpool are preparing to welcome a new centre-back in the summer transfer window, with Sporting defender Gonzalo Inácio and others also interested. Tottenham Hotspur have no settled centre-back on the left following Dutch defender Mickey van de Ven, who has established himself in the starting line-up, and are eyeing the Ecuadorian defender as a long-term contender.
Will the 22-year-old defender, who has also made 31 appearances for Ecuador, leave Germany to play for another club…?