Liverpool coach Arne Slot
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Liverpool have been seemingly encouraged in their pursuit of one of their defensive targets.
The Reds have several players on their radar ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer. Despite wrapping up the Premier League title with four games to spare, Arne Slot’s side are already making plans for a potential title defence next season.
Liverpool owners are said to be eager to give Slot and his coaching team the tools needed to compete with Arsenal and Manchester City for the title next year. Money is said not to be a problem, so Liverpool are emboldened to consider relatively expensive targets like Florian Wirtz.
Still, Richard Hughes and co. are on the lookout for smart deals that will potentially save the club millions, while making the squad better.
One such deal is Liverpool’s pursuit of Jeremie Frimpong. The Dutchman has a €35m release clause in his Bayer Leverkusen contract.
As we exclusively revealed months ago, Liverpool are aware of the structure of the release clause and are working on bringing Frimpong to Anfield this summer.
The club could also be aware of the €60m release clause in the contract of Frimpong’s teammate Piero Hincapie.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for the Ecuadorian for some time now. The Reds’ interest in Hincapie was a significant storyline during the 2023 summer transfer window.
However, a move never materialised despite numerous reports linking the defender to the Reds. Reports resurfaced again in March that the Reds are still considering signing him.
It is no secret that Liverpool want to sign a centre-back, and Sky Germany claimed back in March that Slot’s side are considering the Leverkusen defender.
And now his agent has Manuel Sierra has revealed that his client’s future is open and there is a chance he leaves BayArena this summer.
“Piero‘s future is open,” Manuel Sierra told Sky Sports (via Florian Plettenberg).
“There are enquiries. He feels comfortable in Leverkusen, but this summer could be a good moment for the next step.”
Plettenberg also reaffirmed that the 23-year-old has an active release clause standing at around £51m this summer.
Hincapie has been with Leverkusen since 2021 and has grown into a key player at the club. He was an integral part of their title-winning campaign under Xabi Alonso last season.
He made 43 appearances for Leverkusen in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and registering two assists.
Liverpool want a left-sided centre-back, and Hincapie’s versatility makes him an attractive option. But it remains to be seen if Liverpool will be willing to spend big on him.
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