Chelsea have a golden opportunity to sign a replacement for the injured Levi Colwill.
Colwill is expected to be out for the majority of the season after ACL surgery, handing Enzo Maresca a major blow.
The Chelsea manager still has the likes of Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo to call upon.
However, it has been claimed that Maresca has asked Chelsea to sign a centre-back, and a very good one now appears to be on the market.
Estevao and Piero Hincapie battle for the ball during Chelsea FC v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Piero Hincapie wants to leave Bayer Leverkusen
Last week, it was reported that Chelsea were thinking about making an offer for Piero Hincapie. If they do, it may not take much to persuade the 23-year-old to move to Stamford Bridge.
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Hincapie has decided that he wants to leave Bayer Leverkusen in this transfer window.
The Ecuadorian has a €60m (£51.9m) release clause in his contract, making him an attainable target for a club such as Chelsea.
🚨🆕 Piero #Hincapié has decided to leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen if a suitable offer arrives. The decision has been made.
Hincapié has a release clause in his contract as excl. revealed, worth €60m (not €65m). Leverkusen still want to keep their 23 y/o top centre-back.… pic.twitter.com/2A6Zmzplae
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 24, 2025
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If the Blues do not go on to sign Hincapie or another central defender before next Monday’s transfer deadline, Jorrel Hato is one player who may be able to fulfil Colwill’s role as the season goes on.
It is thought that the Chelsea hierarchy have faith that Hato can cover for Colwill in central defence if need be.
Arthur Chaves of TSG Hoffenheim and Piero Hincapie of Bayer 04 Leverkusen in action
Photo by Pau Barrena/Bundesliga Collection via Getty Images
Piero Hincapie in tears after Bayer Leverkusen’s defeat to Hoffenheim
Hincapie started in Leverkusen’s 2-1 defeat to Hoffenheim over the weekend in what could prove to be his final game for the club.
As per Bild, at the end of the match, the Ecuador international was in tears, perhaps realising he may not get to see Leverkusen’s supporters again.
There is no guarantee that Chelsea even make a bid for the former Talleres man. The noise coming out of the club suggests that they would rather Maresca put his trust in what he has already got.
However, for £52m, it would be a surprise if a defender of Hincapie’s quality did not get a transfer now that he has asked to leave.