Piero Hincapie has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months, with Newcastle United and Liverpool keen.
Ben Jacobs has revealed to Give Me Sport that Newcastle United have been keeping tabs on Piero Hincapie and that they could look to make a move for him next summer. The 21-year-old defender has a contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2027. So, the German outfit were not keen on selling him earlier this summer.
Apparently, the Ecuadorian international is valued at around £35 million, and he could look to push for a move to the Premier League if there is a concrete proposal on the table. West Ham United also looked at signing the Ecuadorian defender during the summer.
Meanwhile, Ben Jacobs said, “I would keep an eye probably next summer on Hincapie as well for Newcastle. They didn’t seriously entertain anything over the summer and he’s contracted at Bayer Leverkusen until 2027 I believe, so there wasn’t necessarily a realistic chance of them selling last summer.”
“But that’s a player that would love to play in the Premier League and if anyone puts down £35 million, he is going to push for that move to England for sure. West Ham United are the other club that have taken a little look at Hincapie. So Newcastle could be one to watch there, we’ll have to wait and see. But I do think there’ll be in the market for a centre back at some point in 2024, whether January or whether next summer.”
Hincapie has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool as well. The Reds need to bring in an upgrade on players like Joel Matip and Joe Gomez. The 21-year-old certainly fits the profile, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Jurgen Klopp decided to make a move for him in the summer.
Newcastle have one of the best defensive units in the league, but they need to add more quality at the back. They will be competing in the UEFA Champions League this season and will be up against world-class attackers on a weekly basis.
Eddie Howe needs to bring in a quality long-term partner for Sven Botman, with Fabian Schar on the wrong side of 30. So, Hincapie could prove to be the ideal acquisition. The 21-year-old is versatile enough to operate as a central defender as well as left-back. His versatility will be an added bonus for Newcastle if they manage to sign him.
Hincapie will improve with coaching and experience, and he could develop into a reliable performer for them. The reported £35 million asking price is certainly affordable for a club with Newcastle’s resources. The Magpies are one of the wealthiest clubs in the world and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done.
If Newcastle United manage to finish in the top four this season as well, they will be an attractive destination for most players. They have an ambitious project and a talented squad. Hincapie will be open to the idea of playing for them if they continue to showcase their ambitions on the pitch and in the transfer market.
The defender will look to test himself at the highest level and a move to the Premier League can be hard to turn down. It remains to be seen whether Newcastle can beat Liverpool and others to sign the player.
