Liverpool have been linked with a move for Bayern Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapie recently, and a new update suggests they are still in the mix to sign him.
The 21-year-old has emerged as arguably one of Europe’s most talented and exciting young defenders, already becoming an important player for Leverkusen, not to mention for Ecuador at international level, winning 27 caps.
Hincapie has reportedly been seen as a future transfer target for Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp no doubt wanting to boost his options at the back sooner rather than later.
The decision not to sign a new centre-back during the summer transfer window was a risky one, given the fitness records of Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, and while they are all available currently, that could easily change in no time.
According to a report from Spain [via Caught Offside], Liverpool are working on a deal to bring in Hincapie from Leverkusen in January, with the Ecuadorian potentially worth as much as €55m (£47.4m).
The 21-year-old appears to be seen as a top target for the Reds, as they slowly look to rebuild their defence after successful midfield surgery in the summer.
Our thoughts on the latest Hincapie to Liverpool rumour…
If Hincapie does end up being Liverpool’s primary choice to come in and make their defence even more formidable, he could prove to be a fantastic signing as the years pass.
At just 21, he is already performing at an extremely high level, standing out as possibly one of the best players in his position in the Bundesliga, having averaged three clearances and 2.3 tackles per game in the league so far this season.
Hincapie is left footed, which would immediately give Liverpool’s back-line more balance, and the fact that he is also able to play at left-back would immediately bolster their squad depth, too.
Barring what could be an extortionate price tag, it is hard to find a negative when it comes to the Reds completing the signing of Hincapie in January, so they must do all they can to seal a move for him.
Should they be successful in that respect, they could have Virgil van Dijk’s long-term replacement sorted, and a potential future Liverpool superstar at the heart of the defence.
