Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a summer swoop for €50m-rated Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie
It has been a mentally and physically taxing campaign for Tottenham Hotspur. Ange Postecoglou was hoping to build on his first season’s progress, but an unprecedented injury situation have just now allowed the team to grow.
The North Londoners have been hit hard by injuries at the back. Key first-choice centre-back pairing Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have struggled to build momentum due to recurring fitness issues, while their backup, Radu Dragusin, saw his season prematurely ended by a serious knee injury in January. Plus, it is becoming increasingly likely that Romero could be on his way out of the club for a new challenge, with Atletico Madrid reportedly vying for his signature.
Winter recruit Kevin Danso is also currently nursing a hamstring problem, and such a combination of inconsistency and bad luck have left Ange Postecoglou’s side extremely fragile at the back. So, a new centre-back has to be at the top of the club’s agenda.
Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie is attracting interest from Tottenham. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Now, according to a report from Spanish outlet Sport, Tottenham are interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie. Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid have all expressed their interest in the defender, though, as he has a €50m release clause in his contract.
Since joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2021, Piero Hincapie has rapidly evolved into a standout performer under Xabi Alonso, helping the club to their first-ever Bundesliga title last season. With three goals and two assists in 38 appearances across all competitions this term, the Ecuadorian’s impact has gone beyond mere defending.
The 23-year-old’s versatility is a major pull as he can operate as both a left-sided centre-back and left-back. This could give Ange’s Spurs tactical flexibility. The Esmeraldas-born talent is also a robust and tough-tackling defender, always putting his 100 per cent in every game. He is strong in the air and composed with the ball at his feet too, which makes him a complete package for a modern-day centre-half.
Tottenham star Micky van de Ven is sold on the leadership qualities of Cristian Romero. .
Tottenham’s first-choice centre-back pair, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, have spent the majority of the campaign on the sidelines.
Being left-footed, Hincapie would be an ideal option to compete with Van de Ven for a spot in the starting XI. For a defender of his quality, versatility, European experience and potential, €50m appears an absolute bargain.
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As clubs such as Real Madrid, Liverpool and Man United are all interested, Tottenham must act quickly and try persuading the Ecuador international to join their forces at N17. To attract such a highly-rated talent, having European football next season would be massive for Daniel Levy’s club.