Real Madrid, Manchester United to battle it out for Bundesliga-winning versatile defender Piero Hincapié | OneFootball

Manchester United have sorely missed Lisandro Martinez, who suffered a season-ending injury a couple of months ago in the Premier League game against Crystal Palace.

Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven have been tried in that left-sided centre-back position and they have done well but with the World Cup winner out till next year, Ruben Amorim could do with a more experienced left-footed defender.

Goncalo Inacio, Jarrad Branthwaite have all been linked with a move with Spanish publication SPORT adding a brand-new name into the mix — Piero Hincapié of Bayer Leverkusen.

The Ecuadorian can play both as a centre-back and left-back and even at left wingback on occasion, a huge boon for any manager and his technical ability with the ball is also top-notch.

Hincapié on United’s radar

The 23-year-old is in the 95th percentile for progressive carries and 99th percentile for progressive passes received (via fbref).

He has improved even further from Leverkusen’s league-winning season, netting three goals while registering two assists this term while helping keep 11 clean-sheets in all competitions.

And his imperious form has attracted interest from Real Madrid, who are desperate for defensive cover. The Los Blancos will not only have to contend with interest from the Red Devils but also Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur.

The former CA Talleres star has a release clause of €50 million, and it will be intriguing to see whether any team ends up triggering it in the summer.

The report explicitly mentions that the defender’s future could be linked with Xabi Alonso’s future and should the Spaniard remain at the helm in Leverkusen, Hincapié will also likely stay.

The former Real Madrid midfielder could opt to move to the Bernabeu and in that case, the Spanish giants could possibly take the lead.

Real Madrid vs United battle

“The latest name that has been on José Ángel Sánchez and Juni Calafat’s agenda for months is 23-year-old Ecuadorian center back Piero Martín Hincapié.

“A Bayer Leverkusen player, he has the approval of Xabi Alonso, who will end up on the Real Madrid bench in the imminent future. Hincapié has gained standing under Xabi at Bayer and is a center back with suitors, but at Valdebebas they assume that the Tolosa manager’s influence over him will serve to convince him if they finally opt for his signing.

“Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester United have already expressed interest in his situation and future plans, as he has a contract until 2029 and his release clause is 50 million.”

He has been described as a “warrior” and could be the perfect fit for Amorim’s system. But whether INEOS have the money for defensive reinforcements after strengthening up top and in midfield remains to be seen.

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