As per a Liverpool Echo report, Liverpool are considering canceling their plans for a January transfer move for Pierro Hincapie, the Bayer Leverkusen and Ecuadorian centre-back. Just two days ago, the player’s agent indicated that the Reds had shown interest during the summer and were in discussions with Leverkusen regarding a potential deal, which was valued at a minimum of £43 million. Nevertheless, inside sources are now indicating that the Merseyside club remain hesitant to invest such a substantial sum in the 21-year-old during the winter transfer window.
Piero Hincapie’s Remarkable Bundesliga Performances Last Season
During the 2022-23 campaign, Piero Hincapie experienced a breakthrough season with Bayer Leverkusen. The 21-year-old defender showcased his abilities by contributing with one goal and one assist in 43 appearances, earning 40 starts across various competitions. However, in the current season, his involvement has been limited to just five appearances, with only one start in the Europa Conference League.
Hincapie, the talented Ecuadorian, established himself as a dependable presence in the defensive line last year. He maintained impressive defensive statistics, averaging 1.7 tackles, 1.0 interceptions, and 2.5 clearances per game in the Bundesliga. Additionally, he displayed proficiency in distributing the ball from the back, with an accuracy rate of 83.2% in his attempted passes in the top tier of German football (statistics courtesy of whoscored).
Good Decision From Liverpool Boss Jurgen Klopp In Stopping His Pursuit?
Hincapie, a young and promising defender, boasts a promising future ahead of him. His attributes include strength, speed, and a keen ability to read the game, making him a versatile player on the field, a quality highly regarded by Jurgen Klopp.
Should the Ecuadorian make his way to Anfield, he would unquestionably bolster Liverpool’s defensive options. Presently, the Reds rely on the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and Joel Matip as their primary center-backs. However, both Matip and Gomez have faced injury setbacks in recent years, underscoring the need for an additional quality alternative.
Hincapie’s playing style aligns well with Klopp’s tactical approach. Liverpool emphasize high-pressing tactics, an area where Hincapie excels. Furthermore, his ability to carry the ball from the back aligns with Klopp’s preferences for defenders. In summary, Hincapie would make a valuable addition to Liverpool’s squad, possessing youth, talent, versatility, and the potential to enhance defensive depth and quality.
Nevertheless, the substantial asking price set by Leverkusen presents a challenging situation for the Merseyside club. Hence, Klopp has done well to stop his pursuit in acquiring the signature of Hincapie this January.
