Official | Piero Hincapié signs new long-term Bayer Leverkusen contract | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapié has today signed a new long-term contract to keep him at the Bundesliga champions until 2029. The news was made official prior to Die Werkself’s 5-1 thrashing of SC Freiburg to end their memorable 2024 on a high.

“This signature is more than just signing a contract,” said Hincapié. “Bayer Leverkusen has become like a family to me after three-and-a-half years. The club and the fans are special, and we have a team that showed last season what’s possible when you unconditionally stick together. I’m really happy that people are pleased with me and giving me the chance to continue to help shape the future of this club.”

Hincapié establishes himself as a key player under Alonso

Joining Bayer Leverkusen from Argentine side CA Talleres in August 2021 for €6.35m, Hincapié (22) has since gone on to play 141 games across all competitions for the Werkself. 98 of those games have come under Xabi Alonso, with the Ecuadorian defender playing a key role in their unbeaten domestic campaign which resulted in their maiden Bundesliga title, and a German Cup triumph. Not only that, Bayer 04 also made all the way to the 2023/24 Europa League final unbeaten, until their defeat against Atalanta at the final hurdle.

Versatile and an ability to play on the left-side of a back three, central-defence, left-back or left-wing-back, Hincapié continues to develop his game which also caught the attention of Europe’s elite clubs. With this new contract, Bayer Leverkusen have tied one of the hottest defensive prospects to a new long-term deal in what’s another exceptional move by their impressive recruitment team.

Simon Rolfes holds Hincapié in high esteem

Speaking to the club’s official website, Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes added: “Today Piero battles on an equal footing with world-class players like Lionel Messi and Mo Salah. He’s earned that respect from around the world. It’s even better for us that Piero has now committed himself long term again to Bayer 04.”

GGFN | Daniel Pinder