In a recent report, The Daily Mirror stated that Chelsea are keeping tabs on Bayer 04 Leverkusen youngster Piero Hincapié. It has been mentioned that the Blues have sent scouts to catch the Ecuador international in action for his nation in the 2022 FIFA World Cup which is being held in Qatar at the moment.
Hincapie’s Impressive Form In German Football This Season
Hincapie has been a reliable performer at the BayArena as he has managed to put in a handful of dominant displays for Leverkusen on the defensive third of the pitch. The 20-year-old has made 18 appearances for the German club this season, finding the back of the net once and picking up six yellow cards in the process across multiple competitions.
The Ecuador talent has been a rock at the back for Leverkusen based on his average of 1.5 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 2.1 clearances per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball from the back after making 83.3% of his attempted passes in the German top tier (stats via whoscored).
His current contract with Leverkusen will run out in the summer of 2026. Hence, the Blues will have to make a big offer if they want to secure the talented whizkid’s services next year.
Chelsea Are Keeping Tabs On Hincapie: Is He A Prospect For The Future?
Hincapie is a solid tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to earn possession back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the offensive. Furthermore, the Ecuador prospect can even use his strong 1.83m frame to win a few aerial duels for his side. He is primarily a centre-half but can even fill in as a left-back if told to do so.
At the moment, Hincapie is having a good World Cup with Ecuador. Therefore, we can expect plenty of top clubs to join the Blues in the race to sign the gifted talent next year.
Hincapie is already good enough to fight for a regular starting spot at Stamford Bridge. He could serve as a perfect long-term successor to Thiago Silva at the West London club. Thus, Graham Potter would be wise to make a big move to land the Ecuadorian defensive ace soon.
At 20, Hincapie is no doubt a prospect to watch out for in the future and would be a good, long-term signing for Chelsea to consider in 2023.
