Sky Sports: Liverpool ‘Seriously Considering’ Move to Sign 23-year-old Bundesliga Star | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Eyes on Piero Hincapie Amid Defensive Overhaul Plans

As Liverpool begin shaping their summer transfer plans under Arne Slot, reports from Sky Sports Germany suggest that Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie has emerged as a serious target for the club. The Ecuadorian international is now firmly on the Reds’ radar as they assess defensive reinforcements amid potential exits in that department.

Slot’s Centre-Back Concerns Mount

Liverpool’s need for a new centre-back isn’t new — it’s been quietly simmering beneath the surface all season. The Merseyside club currently have four senior options at the back, but speculation continues to grow around the future of Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah, both of whom are being courted by Newcastle United.

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Slot’s tactical emphasis on positional fluidity and building from the back has made the defensive line a priority zone. With Virgil van Dijk still leading the line but no longer invincible, the Reds are carefully planning for succession.

“Liverpool are seriously considering reinforcing their centre-back department in the summer, given the possibility of one or two departures in that position,” Sky Germany reported — a statement that reinforces the quiet urgency at Anfield.

Piero Hincapie – The Ideal Slot Defender?

Hincapie isn’t an unfamiliar name in scouting circles. Since joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2021, the 23-year-old has rapidly evolved into a standout performer under Xabi Alonso, helping the club to their first-ever Bundesliga title this season.

With 37 appearances, three goals, and two assists to his name, Hincapie’s impact has gone beyond just defending. His versatility is another major draw — he can operate as both a left-sided centre-back and a full-back, giving Liverpool tactical flexibility should injuries or fixture congestion strike again.

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“The Ecuadorian has been with Leverkusen since 2021 and has grown into a key player at the club,” the report stated. It’s worth noting that Hincapie’s stock is on the rise, and Liverpool’s reported interest isn’t isolated — Real Madrid are also in the race, pushing the Reds into potentially fierce competition.

Guehi, Huijsen and the Defensive Depth Debate

Hincapie is one of several names being linked to Liverpool’s defence rebuild. Talks were held “with the agent of Crystal Palace’s defender Marc Guehi a few weeks ago,” and the interest there is “serious.” Guehi’s presence in Palace’s resurgent setup under Oliver Glasner makes him an appealing Premier League-ready option.

Meanwhile, Dean Huijsen, the 19-year-old Spain and Bournemouth defender, is also admired by Anfield’s recruitment team. However, with Real Madrid reportedly “in the lead for his signature,” the trail may be cooling — at least for now.

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The variety of targets points to Liverpool’s flexibility in the market, but it also highlights the uncertainty around who stays and who goes. If Gomez or Quansah depart, at least one signing will be essential, and Hincapie could offer more than just depth — he could be a long-term fixture.

Financial Hurdles and Competition

The financial aspect of this potential deal cannot be ignored. Hincapie’s contract runs until 2029, having penned a new deal just four months ago, which places Bayer Leverkusen in a strong bargaining position. With no public release clause, the German champions may look to spark a bidding war — especially with Real Madrid in the background.

Leverkusen’s pursuit of Albian Hajdari suggests they are preparing for life after Hincapie, which could strengthen Liverpool’s hand if a suitable bid is tabled. Still, Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth is also being monitored for the left-back role, although the Cherries are demanding a hefty £45 million.

How much Leverkusen demand for Hincapie remains unknown, but with his contract status and current form, the price will not be modest.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This story will definitely get the Kop talking. Hincapie feels like the kind of proactive signing Liverpool fans have been crying out for — a blend of youth, top-level experience, and tactical versatility. He’s been a pivotal cog in Alonso’s Leverkusen machine, and the fact that the Bundesliga champions are already lining up a replacement suggests there’s real fire behind this smoke.

If Real Madrid are genuinely in for Huijsen, then Liverpool could shift gears on Hincapie swiftly. And with Guehi also in the frame, the recruitment team seems to be operating with flexibility and purpose. There’s a clear shift away from stopgap signings; these are players who could shape the spine of the team for the next five years or more.

But the fanbase won’t be easily impressed by interest alone. What matters is getting these deals done — early, and decisively. Arne Slot will need a dependable and mobile defensive base to implement his ideas, and Hincapie fits that bill. If we’re serious about returning to title contention, we can’t afford another summer of last-minute fixes.

This could be the first major step of the Slot era. It’s time to walk the talk.