Piero Hincapié – The Empire of The Kop

Falk: Liverpool-linked £34m ace ‘may want to leave’; he’s ‘being courted by English clubs’

Liam Togher — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 11:36:08 +0000

Xabi Alonso won’t be leaving Bayer Leverkusen for Liverpool this summer, but there’s a chance that some of his players might.

Christian Falk has indicated that Piero Hincapie could push for an exit if competition for places remains intense, with the 22-year-old being ‘courted’ by multiple Premier League clubs amid a reported asking price of €40m (£34.1m).

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Writing in his latest Fact Files column for Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, the German football insider outlined: “So far, the [Bundesliga] leaders have a strong squad from positions one to 18. If Jonathan Tah stays, another central defender may want to leave to play at another club: Piero Hincapié (22).

“The Ecuadorian is being courted by English clubs like Tottenham. Transfer fee: at least €40m, which Simon Rolfes and Xabi Alonso could immediately invest in the new team.”

Falk didn’t specify Liverpool among the English clubs who are courting Hincapie, but the Ecuador defender has been linked with the Reds intermittently for the past few months, so there’s a strong possibility that they may still be interested in him.

Primarily a centre-back but also capable of lining out on the left flank (Transfermarkt), the 22-year-old is renowned for being remarkably comfortable in possession of the ball.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of positional peers in Europe’s five main leagues over the past 12 months for progressive carries per 90 (2.22), and also the top 8% for passes per 90 (83.93) and progressive passes per game (5.73).

If Liverpool’s next manager is someone who places huge value in playing out from the back and having defenders who are astute with the ball at their feet, then they might well fancy a move for Hincapie, especially if the Ecuadorian is open to departing Leverkusen.

It remains to be seen whether he’s truly on the Anfield wish list for the summer, but his name could be one to watch over the coming weeks.

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Liverpool’s first two signings under Xabi Alonso potentially clear after scouting expedition – report

Farrell Keeling — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 07:43:57 +0000

Liverpool may have already lined up their first two potential signings under their next manager.

Should Xabi Alonso be the man to take the reins at Anfield come the end of the season, it’s certainly possible that he could look to Bayer Leverkusen to strengthen his new side.

HITC (as confirmed by the Mirror) reports that the Reds scouts were in attendance for the Bundesliga team’s shock 3-0 win over Bayern Munich, watching Piero Hincapie and Florian Wirtz.

Moves that could make sense for Liverpool

Our need for a left-sided centre-back has been extremely well-documented in recent months.

Should we bring Alonso to the Anfield dugout this summer, defensive reinforcements are likely sought out with the Spaniard’s back-three at Leverkusen in mind.

Piero Hincapie and Xabi Alonso in action – (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Wirtz, as one of Europe’s most prominent young talents, will always earn links to the top outfits of the world.

His positional versatility will certainly appeal to a club potentially tasked with replacing Mo Salah at the end of the campaign (given his ability to play on both flanks of the front-three and mainly as an attacking midfielder).

Whether we’re keen to commit a potential nine-digit sum to land his signature remains to be seen.

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How Liverpool’s post-summer window XI could look if Xabi Alonso succeeds Klopp – opinion

Farrell Keeling — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 08:04:53 +0000

With Liverpool still in all four competitions this term, the focus is naturally on ensuring Jurgen Klopp can bow out on a high.

In the meantime, the search for a replacement head coach continues, with Xabi Alonso perhaps the frontrunner in the hearts of many a Reds fan.

Hypothetically, whomever next walks in through the doors of the AXA training centre will probably want to revamp the squad to a certain degree.

What might a Xabi Alonso XI look like after the summer?

Two major priorities the Spaniard will be forced to address in varying degrees is the backline and the front-three.

The former has become increasingly less of a priority following the emergence of Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley.

That said, there’s still an urgent need to reinforce the heart of the defence. Finding a long-term successor for Virgil van Dijk and further backup for Ibrahima Konate should be addressed.

Piero Hincapie

One man who could help plug a gap and look after the future of the defence might be left-sided centre-half Piero Hincapie.

The 22-year-old Ecuadorian can also do a job at left-back (should Alonso stick with a back four) and would otherwise be a reliable option in a back-three.

He’s previously been heavily linked with a move to Merseyside and could follow his current boss to L4.

Florian Wirtz

If this is to be Mo Salah’s last season (as Ben Jacobs suggests it might) we need to be looking at the next big thing.

Bayer Leverkusen’s 20-year-old Florian Wirtz would surely have to be at least close to the top of the shortlist.

The German international has already registered 20 goal contributions in 26 games this term, lighting up the Bundesliga.

He won’t come cheap, but if you’ve potentially got upwards of £150m in the bank from selling Salah, there aren’t many better options in world football worth betting big on.

Potential Liverpool XI: Alisson, Hincapie, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson (or Curtis Jones?), Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Trent, Diaz, Wirtz, Nunez

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Fabrizio Romano shares transfer update that directly affects Liverpool at time of desperate need

Farrell Keeling — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 19:41:58 +0000

Liverpool’s hopes of revitalising their backline may have taken something of a hit at a time of desperate need.

The Merseysiders may be hoping to dip into the upcoming January transfer window to solve a growing injury list affecting the back four following Kostas Tsimikas’ forced exit against Arsenal.

Fabrizio Romano reported on X (formerly Twitter) that alleged target Piero Hincapie is among several untouchable names ahead of the winter window.

Bayer Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes: “Everyone stays. We won't let go of any players in winter”, told Kicker.

No January move for Tah, Hincapié or any other player, Rolfes guarantees. pic.twitter.com/p62DsgFpOb

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 23, 2023

Alternative targets Liverpool could pursue?

Left-sided? Check. Can play left-back if absolutely required? Check.

What a shame it is to be unable even to attempt to sign such a gifted prospect in the Ecuadorian this winter!

That said, we’re not entirely bereft of alternatives at this time of year.

Giorgio Scalvini

The young Atalanta centre-back hasn’t been seriously linked with a move to Merseyside since around the time of the prior transfer window (90Min via Football365).

That said, we wouldn’t necessarily be disappointed were our alleged prior interest given the 20-year-old’s evidently remarkable talents.

Scalvini in action for Atalanta – (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)

The 6’4″ Serie A star has been ever present for his current employers this term, racking up 20 appearances and even grabbing a goal and assist in 2023/24.

Intriguingly, he’s also the fifth-most similar player (statistically) to Piero Hincapie, according to FBref.

He’ll need to significantly improve his pass completion rate (25th percentile) but there’s a lot to work with already when bearing in mind his remarkable aerial dominance (81st percentile for aerials won) and importance to Atalanta’s creative efforts (90th percentile for shot-creating actions).

Goncalo Inacio

Goncalo Inacio’s name will be somewhat more familiar to the ears belonging to those of a Liverpool persuasion.

The Sporting CP star comes with a £52m release clause attached, according to Sporting’s own website, which would allow us to secure the future of our backline relatively simplistically if desired.

Goncalo Inacio celebrates scoring in the Europa League – (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

The left-footed defender isn’t quite as assured in the air as his aforementioned counterpart, however, registering in the 36th percentile for aerials won.

On the other hand, there’s a great deal to be admired when it comes to his reliability on the ball, with Inacio possessing a far more impressive pass completion rate (89th percentile).

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Liverpool’s priority: Reds hoping to beat EPL duo to £60m Bundesliga gem; Klopp’s a big admirer

Liam Togher — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 08:05:09 +0000

Liverpool are reportedly striving to fend off two Premier League rivals for a Bundesliga talent who’s viewed as a January priority at Anfield.

According to CaughtOffside, the Reds are ‘working to move ahead of’ Manchester City and Chelsea in the race for Piero Hincapie, with Jurgen Klopp understood to be ‘a big fan’ of the Bayer Leverkusen defender.

While LFC are ‘showing the strongest interest so far’, they’ve yet to make ‘concrete contact’. There’s a belief that Xabi Alonso’s side could ultimately relent if they receive an offer of €70m (£60m) or more, even if they hope to retain him for at least one more season.

The report signs off with the assertion that Liverpool are ‘the main team to watch in this potential transfer battle’.

Hincapie’s prospective suitors were given fresh hope of landing him next month when Florian Plettenberg asserted at the weekend that the 21-year-old is ‘unhappy’ at Leverkusen and ‘open for a new challenge in the winter’.

The Ecuador international has struggled for minutes at the BayArena this season, making just two Bundesliga starts and dependent on the Europa League for the majority of his game-time (Transfermarkt).

His ability to play centrally or on the left-hand side of defence could be a huge selling point for Klopp, who’s seen his backline ravaged by injuries to the likes of Andy Robertson and Joel Matip in the first half of the campaign.

Although the Liverpool manager publicly dismissed the prospect of entering the January market for defensive additions, privately he must feel that a big push is needed next month if the Reds aren’t to be left short in that part of the squad for the remainder of 2023/24.

Hincapie won’t come cheap, but if LFC are prepared to part with £60m or so to get him in, fans’ fears over a lack of depth at the back could be greatly assuaged.

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‘Talks will follow’ – Liverpool line up first potential January signing in fresh transfer update from Florian Plettenberg

Farrell Keeling — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 07:53:25 +0000

Florian Plettenberg has reported on Liverpool’s ongoing interest in ‘unhappy’ Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapie.

The Sky journalist did note on X, however, that the Ecuadorian is still valued by his current club who are set to engage in talks with him in the coming period.

To add a further hurdle in the Reds’ path, the defender is understood to not be accessible via a release clause in the summer window.

Piero #Hincapie, open for a new challenge in winter as he wants to play regularly. He’s not happy as a substitute.

But: Leverkusen appreciates him & wants to keep him as Tapsoba & Kossounou will join the African Cup.

The 21 y/o cb (left foot) has many inquiries on the… pic.twitter.com/Cel2AqDwQ3

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) December 16, 2023

More on #Hincapie: He has NO release clause in summer 2024 – as reported. There are some specific exit options for him but Leverkusen is in control. Confirmed.

No green light from Leverkusen for a transfer in winter but Hincapie is unhappy. Talks will follow

Contract… pic.twitter.com/1hXedugn96

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) December 16, 2023

This leaves the Merseysiders in a rather tricky position ahead of the opening of the January transfer window.

Do Liverpool go big?

The reality is such that it’s hard to imagine Liverpool pumping a serious funds into a bid for Hincapie’s services this January.

His current unhappiness at a lack of minutes in Germany is sure to have been noted given the far more serious competition he’d suffer with an in-form Virgil van Dijk playing on the left of the centre-back partnership.

We remain hopeful of being pleasantly surprised in this matter come January 1st but it seems a little unlikely at this stage that we make our move for the 21-year-old.

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‘Absolute beast’ centre-back could be back on the transfer table for Liverpool after £60m revelation

Farrell Keeling — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 09:31:19 +0000

Reliable Bundesliga reporter Christian Falk has suggested that Liverpool could be lured back to the negotiating table for Piero Hincapie.

This follows the emergence of a £60.1m release clause for the Bayer Leverkusen defender, previously labelled an ‘absolute beast’ (as previously described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, via footballfancast).

“Piero Hincapie could be an interesting option for potential suitors again,” the German reporter exclusively informed CaughtOffside.

“I’ve heard that he has a release clause of €70m.

“That’s why he could re-emerge on the table for Premier League clubs like Liverpool and Newcastle. We heard Milan and Roma are also interested in the Leverkusen player.”

The Reds are understood to be particularly keen on adding a left-sided centre-back to their ranks to add some depth beyond Virgil van Dijk.

Van Dijk’s terrific form presents a new challenge

Our colossal No.4 shows absolutely no signs of halting his brilliance on the pitch (unless Jordan Pickford has anything to say about it).

This means we have no choice but to land a young centre-half keen on learning the tools of the trade and earning minutes on a sporadic basis.

Would Hincapie be prepared to accept such a deal at Anfield?

It remains to be seen. However, a player of his potential would make a more than fine addition to the squad if he can be persuaded to make the switch to L4.

#Ep97 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

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Szoboszlai and Mac Allister could stop LFC from making critical January signing

Farrell Keeling — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 09:00:13 +0000

Liverpool may find it difficult to bring in a top centre-half in January following their outlays on Dominik Szobozlai and Alexis Mac Allister in the summer.

This claim comes courtesy of Pete O’Rourke at Football Insider, with it noted that Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie could be too expensive for the Merseysiders in the upcoming winter window.

The Reds are also understood to retain a strong interest in landing Fluminense’s highly-rated holding midfielder Andre.

The defender’s agent, Manuel Sierra, has already discussed our interest in his client in the summer window, though it seems unlikely that we’ll go back for the 21-year-old if forced to plump up a minimum fee of £43.2m.

Admittedly, the likes of Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah and Joel Matip have all proven to varying extents that they can fill in for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate when necessary.

With a distinct lack of available left-footed centre-back options in the squad beyond our Dutch colossus, however, it’s not a set of circumstances that can be allowed to exist beyond the 2024 summer window at the absolute latest.

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Liverpool prioritising January swoop for £35m pass master they’d wanted in summer

Liam Togher — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 07:53:07 +0000

Despite ongoing links with Piero Hincapie, it’s understood that Liverpool won’t be pursuing the Bayer Leverkusen defender for a January transfer, with the Ecuadorian set to cost a minimum of €50m (£43.2m).

Football Insider have now explained the reason for the Reds’ apparent reluctance to pursue the 21-year-old.

It’s believed that the priority in the winter transfer window is to try again for Andre Trindade, the Fluminense midfielder for whom a €30m (£25.9m) summer offer was rejected, with another bid expected in January in preference to a move for Hincapie.

Aside from Liverpool’s previous offer falling short of his €40m (£35m) buyout clause (GOAL), the main reason for Fluminense refusing to entertain selling the player was their ongoing involvement in the Copa Libertadores.

They’ll feel their stance has been justified as Andre has since helped them to reach the final of that competition, in which they’ll face Boca Juniors on 4 November.

The 22-year-old has stood out for his composure on the ball, achieving a remarkable passing success rate of 93.8% over the past 12 months, which places him among the top 1% of midfielders outside of European leagues (FBref).

The Brazilian would give Liverpool another natural defensive midfield option and could potentially free up Alexis Mac Allister to play further forward, with the 2022 World Cup winner currently operating in the number 6 role, with his creative influence duly curbed.

While the Reds definitely shouldn’t shut the door on strengthening their defence in January, especially given the injury concerns in that area of the pitch already this season, we can understand why they’re still determined to get Andre through the door. Let’s see what happens over the coming weeks.

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Liverpool set to make January transfer call on £43m-rated target; agent has spoken of Reds’ interest

Liam Togher — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 14:13:44 +0000

Liverpool are reportedly set to make a decision soon as to the potential January transfer pursuit of Piero Hincapie.

The Bayer Leverkusen defender’s agent Manuel Sierra publicly stated last week that the Reds ‘were interested’ in the 21-year-old during the summer but instead opted to prioritise their midfield rebuild.

However, according to Football Insider, Jurgen Klopp’s side are unlikely to go back in for him during the winter transfer window, with a belief that the club won’t fork out for the minimum fee of €50m (£43.2m) that the Ecuador international would yield.

Hincapie has had a surprisingly peripheral involvement for Leverkusen so far this season, starting only one match in all competitions, although he was ruled out of the team’s first three Bundesliga games due to suspension (Transfermarkt).

The youngster is adept at getting the ball up the pitch and carrying out his core defensive duties, as illustrated by figures from FBref.

He ranks among the top 6% of centre-backs in Europe’s five main leagues over the past 12 months for progressive carries per game (1.59), and among the top 11% for tackles per match (2.24).

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Also, he’s predominantly left-footed, a trait that Liverpool are seeking in prospective recruits for that area of the pitch (Football Insider).

The Reds might possibly be put off by Hincapie’s asking price and lack of involvement for Xabi Alonso’s side of late, but they’re not in a position to simply disregard him as a transfer target for January, as circumstances in the meantime could possibly leave them desperately needing a centre-back by then.

This particular rumour mightn’t go away for some time yet.

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‘Liverpool sources are clear’: Ben Jacobs drops evening transfer news fans will find interesting

Farrell Keeling — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 17:04:51 +0000

Liverpool were understood to be keen on adding a defender to their ranks in the summer, and though that desire could very well persist into January – it’s unlikely to be Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie.

The player’s agent, Manuel Sierra, clarified prior comments issued on his client’s future, with Ben Jacobs also noting that his sources from the Reds had noted that the centre-back would not be considered for the next transfer window.

Piero Hincapie's agent Manuel Sierra clarifies his position to me on #LFC links. "I was directly asked about Liverpool’s interest in Piero Hincapie, and of course they like him, but I never said they made a serious offer or will do so in January. Lots of clubs are looking at… pic.twitter.com/u0FOYgngP5

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) October 7, 2023

The Bundesliga outfit have protected the short-term future of their Ecuadorian international, with a contract extension until 2027 already agreed earlier in the year.

Liverpool’s reasoning for not pursuing Hincapie in January will most likely come down to the money involved for a player Xabi Alonso will be particularly keen to keep hold of.

There is the surprise emergence of 20-year-old Academy graduate Jarell Quansah to consider, though it’s worth bearing in mind, impressive as the youngster has been, that he doesn’t check the box for a left-footed defender that we still sorely need.

Goncalo Inacio of Sporting CP is perhaps one direction we could alternatively turn to, should the desire rise on our part, though the Primeira Liga star likewise won’t come cheaply.

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‘They are talking’: Piero Hincapie’s agent explains why Liverpool didn’t sign him last summer

Farrell Keeling — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 16:08:46 +0000

Liverpool’s focus in the prior summer window was clear for all to see in the aftermath of a poor 2022/23 campaign by their own high standards.

Stalwarts in Jordan Henderson and Fabinho were flagging considerably and eventually departed for the riches of Saudi Arabia amid relentless, ongoing questioning over whether their legs could still meet the demands of Premier League football.

As such, you could forgive Jurgen Klopp’s recruitment team for focusing primarily on replenishing the midfield department – apparently at the expense of landing a top young defender in Piero Hincapie, according to the player’s agent.

“Liverpool were interested in him, but at that time they chose to invest in the midfield,” Manuel Sierra was quoted as saying by Sport Witness. “For January they are talking like other clubs, it will not be less than 50 million.”

What next in January?

We’re well aware of the club’s interest in Andre of Fluminense, though there’s no question that a defensive signing would go far in alleviating concerns over our ability to effectively challenge for honours this term.

The emergence of 20-year-old centre-half Jarell Quansah has no doubt helped in that regard, of course, and shouldn’t be forgotten about ahead of any business we engage in this coming January.

Jarell Quansah has been a reliable presence at the back in cup games and Europe – (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

That said, with Virgil van Dijk the only senior left-footed centre-back currently available for selection, it would be reassuring to see our recruitment team invest in another option to alleviate some of the pressure.

At 21 years of age, and capable of also filing out at left-back if needed, Hincapie would tick a big box, though we have to wonder whether the project at Anfield would prove appealing enough to overlook the comparative (and significant) drop in game time he would no doubt initially experience over in Merseyside.

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‘Advanced talks’: Liverpool may already be closing in on first signing ahead of January window – report

Max Rudd — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:05:14 +0000

Although the summer transfer window only closed at the start of the month Liverpool are believed to be in ‘advanced talks’ to sign one player in particular.

The Reds were briefly linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie but no move ever materialised with Jurgen Klopp instead completing the signings of four new midfielders.

A fresh report from Fichajes (via Paisley Gates) now claims that the Anfield outfit are remaining interested in the Ecuadorian ahead of the winter window and could complete a deal worth €55m.

After receiving a red card against Borussia Monchengladbach back in May the 21-year-old was handed a four-game suspension and only made his first appearance of the season against Bayern Munich last week.

He was introduced as a late substitute as Xabi Alonso’s side earned a point against the German champions.

The Reds have been linked with a move for the defender for quite a while now but it’s clear that the Bundesliga outfit clearly do not want to sell.

Klopp will be eager to bolster his defensive options in the near future, however, with Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip now the wrong side of 30 and both Joe Gomez and Ibou Konate proving to be rather injury prone since their respective arrivals on Merseyside.

We’re pretty well stocked in all other areas of the pitch but our backline is certainly a department that appears to be in need of a little bit of a revamp.

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Klopp has given green light for Liverpool to swoop for left-footed gem who’s frustrated Szoboszlai

Liam Togher — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 10:09:08 +0000

According to reports from Spain, Jurgen Klopp has given the go-ahead for Liverpool to move for a left-footed defensive transfer target.

Fichajes claimed that the Reds manager ‘has given the green light’ to a January raid on Bayer Leverkusen for Piero Hincapie, for whom the Merseysiders are believed to already be in ‘advanced talks’.

A prospective fee of around €55m (£47.5m) has been mentioned, which tallies with similar reports from his native Ecuador towards the end of last week.

Hincapie has had a delayed start to this season, only getting his first appearance of the campaign against Bayern Munich at the weekend due to a three-game suspension he incurred for a red card on the final day of 2022/23 (Transfermarkt).

However, the 21-year-old has proven to be a menace for many Bundesliga opponents over the past year, with his average of 2.32 tackles per game ranking him among the top 9% of defenders in Europe’s five main leagues for that particular metric (FBref).

Liverpool fans will be rather intrigued by the Ecuadorian’s performance in Leverkusen’s 2-0 win over RB Leipzig in April.

On that day, he won five duels and made five clearances, three interceptions and one block, frustrating a certain Dominik Szoboszlai to the point where the Hungarian was sent off in the closing minutes of his team’s defeat (Sofascore).

As Steve Kay mentioned in conversation with Empire of the Kop recently, a left-footed centre-back is something that Jurgen Klopp would crave at Anfield, with all of his current options in that area primarily favouring their right (Transfermarkt).

It’s therefore no surprise that the manager has given the thumbs-up for Jorg Schmadtke and the recruitment team to try and land Hincapie, who Szoboszlai would surely much rather enjoy having as a teammate than an opponent.

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Talks ‘very advanced’: Liverpool lining up £48m swoop for tough-tackling powerhouse – report

Liam Togher — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 09:57:24 +0000

According to reports from South America, Liverpool are making good progress in their efforts to strengthen their defence ahead of the January transfer window.

Ecuadorian outlet Marca90 claimed (via LFC Transfer Room) that the Reds are in ‘very advanced’ negotiations to try and sign Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal which’d be worth a minimum of £48m.

Jurgen Klopp’s side had been linked with a move for the 21-year-old in the closing days of the summer transfer window, but for now he remains at the Bundesliga outfit.

Hincapie already has a wealth of experience for a player of his age, surpassing 125 senior appearances at club and international level combined and playing in the World Cup, Champions League and Europa League (Transfermarkt).

The 6 foot Ecuador centre-back (who can also play on the left) boasts one of the best tackling averages for players in his position among Europe’s five main leagues, ranking in the 89th percentile for that metric over the past year with 2.29 per game (FBref).

Liverpool Echo journalist Ian Doyle said in the final week of the summer transfer window that the Reds ‘should really be in for’ the youngster if he were available for a fee around the £40m mark.

While Leverkusen may well demand more than that, the Merseysiders could be willing to push the boat out for Hincapie, not least given his status as a primarily left-footed central defender.

We’d be inclined to wait for other outlets to corroborate the reports from Marca90 before getting greatly excited about the likelihood of a January swoop for the Ecuadorian, but the signs seem promising regarding a possible move for him in the winter.

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