Chelsea are considering a move for a Bayer Leverkusen player who they lined up against in Friday night’s friendly at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca’s side had just a handful of training sessions under their belt before hosting the former Bundesliga champions, however their performance didn’t suggest there was any rust in the camp.
The Blues won 2-0, however could easily have scored more as the likes of Estevao Willian starred in front of his new fans.
In what was a very disappointing outing for Erik ten Hag’s side, very few players stood out, despite many being rated amongst the best in their position.
Enzo Maresca arrives ahead of Chelsea FC v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea ‘admire’ Piero Hincapie after pre-season meeting
One player who is highly thought of, and was arguably Leverkusen’s best player on the day is Piero Hincapie.
Starting at left centre-back, he was frequently called into action to help deal with Estevao as Grimaldo had a torrid time up against the teenager.
Piero Hincapie vs Chelsea Total
Minutes 60
Blocks 2
Clearances 2
Recoveries 1
Duels won 2/3
Whether it is based on this performance or not, Mail Sport have reported that Chelsea are admirers of the defender, as they consider bolstering their options at the back before the end of the transfer window.
Despite having plenty of options in the first team squad, the Blues are weighing up whether they need to sign a replacement after suffering a serious setback in recent days.
Chelsea FC v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
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Chelsea searching for Colwill replacement
Levi Colwill is set to miss the majority of the 2025/26 campaign after requiring surgery on a knee injury sustained in his first training session back for pre-season.
Maresca started Josh Acheampong at the back against Leverkusen, and will be scrambling around for solutions after the Englishman started 35 of the Premier League games last season.
Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo will be competing for a starting spot, whilst there will be a hope that Wesley Fofana can begin to overcome his ongoing injury woes at last.
None of these players offer an obvious alternative to Colwill though, and it remains to be seen if they decide to make a move for Hincapie to play in that position at Stamford Bridge.