If a report from Mundo Deportivo (as claimed by Chronicle Live) is believed to be true, Newcastle United are among a host of clubs chasing Ecuador sensation Piero Hincapie. The youngster has gained attention in the ongoing Copa America tournament and is now being tracked by the likes of Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Bayern Munich and PSG as well.
A late resurgence saw the Magpies securing a 12th-placed league finish during the previous campaign. Steve Bruce has silenced the critics who were sceptical about his managerial prowess and is now gearing up for the upcoming term to meet the standard set towards the closure of the 2020-21 season.
However, they are after a new centre-half for quite some time amid rumoured interest in Celtic’s Kristoffer Ajer, Liverpool star Nat Phillips and William Saliba of Arsenal (who is closing in a Marseille move). Hincapie is the latest name linked over a potential Tyneside transfer and the 19-year-old defender has fuelled speculations revealing his ‘dreams’ of playing abroad in bigger leagues.
“A player dreams of going abroad and playing in better leagues. If the opportunity to leave is given, it would be best to take that leap. I haven’t talked to [chairman Andres] Fassi yet. I can’t promise the fans that I’m going to stay, you never know what’s going to happen.”
Said the teenager (in an interview with ESPN) who currently represents Argentine Primera División side Talleres.
Hincapie was handed his senior debut by Ecuadorian outfit Independiente del Valle a couple of years ago. His talent was spotted by Talleres last summer where he cemented a starting status soon after joining the Cordoba-based outfit.
The Early Attributes Depict Excellence
Ecuador chief Gustavo Alfaro has been impressed by Hincapie’s progression and rewarded him with a first-team role all throughout the competition. Although the wonderkid received a marching order against Argentina in their 3-0 quarter-final defeat, his headstrong defensive display earned massive plaudits when the Tricolors held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in a decisive group stage encounter.
The young prodigy is regarded for his calmness in the heart of the backline. He is confident with the ball and prefers to play it out from the back exhibiting his vision and passing technique. The sense of positioning, no-nonsense clearance as well as timely interceptions are a few of his many key defensive traits. It is to be seen now whether Newcastle cash in on Hincapie ahead of the European heavyweights.
