La Liga champions Real Madrid have reportedly identified Nico Schlotterbeck and Piero Hincapie as potential alternatives to Leny Yoro.
According to an update by Spanish journalist Rodra on Inaki Angulo’s Twitch channel, Nico Schlotterbeck and Piero Hincapie are the subjects of interest from Real Madrid. The reigning La Liga champions have lost the race to sign Leny Yoro, who has joined Manchester United. So, they have set their sights on the Bundesliga, identifying the duo as potential alternatives.
Nico Schlotterbeck and Piero Hincapie making their mark in the Bundesliga
Nico Schlotterbeck has made gradual progress since joining Borussia Dortmund from SC Freiburg in July 2022. A native of Waiblingen, he passed through the academies at five German clubs, graduating from the SC Freiburg youth division. His stock soared during his spell with SC Freiburg, but he has risen in prominence more at Borussia Dortmund.
The 24-year-old has turned out nearly 100 times thus far for Borussia Dortmund while chipping in with six goals and ten assists. As for Piero Hincapie, he has been with Bayer Leverkusen since arriving from CA Talleres in August 2021. While the Ecuadorian international has not been the undisputed first-choice centre-back for Die Werkself, he has made considerable progress at BayArena.
The 22-year-old has made 119 appearances thus far for Bayer Leverkusen while chipping in with four goals and three assists. Hincapie played his part as Die Werkself cruised to the Bundesliga title last season. Meanwhile, his progress has not gone unnoticed, as he has emerged as a target for Real Madrid, with Los Blancos also monitoring Schlotterbeck.
Real Madrid interested in the duo
Real Madrid’s interest in Nico Schlotterbeck and Piero Hincapie is understandable. The reigning La Liga champions have been scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the summer transfer window after losing Nacho as a free agent. In addition, David Alaba is a long-term absentee due to a knee injury.
So, it behoves Real Madrid to invest in a centre-back, with Leny Yoro emerging as a top target. The Frenchman was keen on joining Real Madrid before Manchester United came calling. With the 18-year-old picking Old Trafford as his next destination, the Merengues must set their sights elsewhere. The two Bundesliga defenders have thus emerged as viable targets.
The report claims that the reigning La Liga champions are monitoring Schlotterbeck and Hincapie. The two centre-backs are left-footed defenders, making them potentially the ideal central defensive partners for Eder Militao.
