Liverpool and Tottenham are circling Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapié, with both clubs making their interest known as the summer market heats up.
For Arne Slot, defensive depth is a pressing concern. With Jarell Quansah gone, only Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté remain as recognized center-backs.
Joe Gomez’s fitness troubles persist, and a fresh pre-season injury has ruled him out again. Slot has suggested Ryan Gravenberch could fill in at the back, but doing so would rob Liverpool’s midfield of its new heartbeat.
Konaté’s contract runs out next summer, and renewal talks have hit a wall. Van Dijk turns 35 next year, and succession planning is overdue.
Journalist Graeme Bailey reports Liverpool view Hincapié as a leading candidate and have already opened lines of communication.
Tottenham are just as eager. Last season’s defensive instability, fueled by injuries to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, exposed a lack of reliable backup.
Thomas Frank wants genuine competition for Van de Ven, and Hincapié’s versatility—able to operate as a left-sided center-back or full-back—makes him an attractive fit.
Chelsea are also in the conversation, though their focus on Ajax’s Jorrel Hato means they may not pursue the Ecuadorian if that deal is finalized.
Leverkusen, having already lost Jonathan Tah, are reluctant to part ways with Hincapié. But his £52 million release clause means they could be powerless if an offer meets the figure.
At 22, his pace, technical skill, composure in possession, and defensive intelligence mark him out as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders.
For Liverpool, it’s about the future. For Spurs, it’s about depth and competition.
For Hincapié, it could be the next step toward the Premier League spotlight.