Liverpool are reportedly making a determined push to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie, aiming to outmaneuver Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid in the race for the highly-rated defender, Soccernet.football understands.
With Liverpool’s summer focus primarily on player departures, the potential acquisition of Hincapie signals a significant shift as the club seeks to bolster their defensive options.
The Merseyside club has seen notable exits, including Thiago, Joel Matip, and Adrian, who left on free transfers, while Fabio Carvalho and Billy Koumetio have been sold.
Bobby Clark’s move to Red Bull Salzburg for an initial £10 million is also on the cards, with Joe Gomez attracting strong interest from Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, initially targeted Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi as the club’s first major signing under Arne Slot.
However, with Zubimendi opting to remain in Spain, Hughes has now turned his focus to strengthening Liverpool’s defence.
According to Football365 reports, Liverpool have identified Hincapie as their primary defensive target.
The 22-year-old Ecuadorian has been on Liverpool’s radar for several months and was previously tipped as a potential signing if Xabi Alonso had taken over at Anfield. Although Alonso stayed with Leverkusen, Liverpool remains undeterred in their pursuit of Hincapie.
Despite fierce competition from Atletico Madrid and Tottenham, Liverpool are confident they can secure the young centre-back, whom they see as a potential long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk.
Leverkusen’s €60 million (£51.1 million) valuation of Hincapie remains a hurdle, but Liverpool believe the prospect of joining one of England’s top clubs could entice the defender.