Liverpool are reportedly willing to fork out €55 million to sign highly-rated Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, who is also on the radars of Real Madrid.
According to Spanish outlet Don Diario, Liverpool are ready to challenge Real Madrid in the pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen ace Piero Hincapie and could spend as much as €55 million to land the Ecuador international’s signature, a big-money offer that could totally blow Los Blancos out of the water.
Liverpool and Real Madrid chasing after Piero Hincapie
Hincapie is a wanted man after emerging as one of the Bundesliga’s brightest prospects. Bayer Leverkusen have been one of Europe’s standout teams this season, leading the Bundesliga by eight points following their 2-1 victory over Heidenheim last Saturday. Hincapie has contributed, although his game time has been surprisingly limited under manager Xabi Alonso.
The Ecuadorian has started just nine Bundesliga matches, making a further six appearances as a substitute. He has played six times in the Europa League, though, helping his side top their group and progress to the knockout stages, while he has played three times in the DFB Pokal.
The 22-year-old made 30 Bundesliga appearances last term. But Alonso has preferred a back three of Odilon Kossounou, Jonathan Tah and Edmond Tapsoba when everyone’s fit and available.
Nonetheless, Hincapie has become a mainstay in the side in recent weeks and will be eager to hold onto his starting spot for the rest of the season. Off the pitch, his stellar performances continue to garner some strong interest from top club’s across Europe, with Liverpool and Real Madrid both keeping close tabs on his situation.
Liverpool ready to go all-out to beat Real Madrid in Hincapie race
Now, Don Dario has provided a fresh update on the transfer chase. The report states Liverpool would be “willing to put €55 million euros on the table to acquire the services” of Hincapie, who they believe has “all the earmarks of being a great player for the future.”
Such an offer would deal a heavy blow to Real Madrid’s plans, as they are unwilling to pay such sums for a defender, who has a bright future but is still unproven at the highest of levels. It is no secret that Liverpool could use a quality left-sided central defender who is versatile enough to operate as a left-back as well.
The Merseysiders are giving serious thoughts to the signing of a elite-level defensive addition in the summer of 2024 to replace crocked centre-half Joel Matip, who is likely to miss the rest of the season following a serious ACL injury and will soon be out of contract.
Hincapie would be an upgrade on Joel Matip, and he could be the ideal alternative to Andrew Robertson during rotation and injuries. The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be quite tempting for the Bundesliga defender, and he will look to test himself at the highest level.
Meanwhile, the Reds have been strongly linked with the Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso. If Liverpool decide to appoint Alonso as Jurgen Klopp’s successor, they could have another advantage in the race to sign Hincapie.
