According to a report, Tottenham is the frontrunner to sign Piero Hincapie, and the ‘crisis’ afflicting Bayer Leverkusen could provide Antonio Conte with the center-back in the summer transfer window.
Hincapie was on Tottenham’s radar during the summer of 2022. Despite their efforts to apprehend him, the 21-year-old remained in Germany.
Hincapie’s stock rose after he represented Ecuador in the World Cup in Qatar late last year. He played all three of their group matches, but they did not advance to the next round because the Netherlands and Senegal qualified ahead of them.
Tottenham renewed their interest in Hincapie during the January transfer window. However, their advances were thwarted by Leverkusen, who did not want to sell one of their top players in the middle of the season.
However, according to a report in the German newspaper Bild, that stance may change as the summer approaches. According to Bild, Leverkusen is in ‘crisis’ after winning just seven of their 19 league games this season.
Despite finishing third last season, they are now languishing in tenth place. Due to their poor form, it appears that they will miss out on European qualification for the following season.
Hincapie is one of several Leverkusen players who want to stay in either the Champions League or the Europa League. He wants to test himself against Europe’s best attackers as he continues his exciting development.
As a result, ‘upheaval’ is expected at Leverkusen, with a few players expected to push for transfers. Conte could be gifted Hincapie in this situation.
Tottenham may be able to sign at a lower cost.
Because the defender’s contract with Leverkusen runs until the summer of 2026, the German club would normally be able to demand a high price when selling him.
However, the fact that they are unlikely to qualify for the Champions League next season weakens their bargaining position. It is possible that Hincapie will submit a transfer request, which would be welcome news to Spurs.
According to Bild, Spurs are currently in a pole position to sign him because no other club has expressed such a strong interest.
Spurs appear to be interested in signing Hincapie to replace Ben Davies on the left side of a back three. While Davies has been a dedicated member of the club, Hincapie simply has more potential.
Hincapie is also adaptable. He can play in a back three or back two as a left-sided center-half. He can also play as a traditional left-back if necessary.
The former Independiente man possesses all of the qualities required to become a top Premier League defender. He is quick and strong, and he can step out of defense and intercept opposing passes.
Hincapie, like current Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero, is tenacious and puts pressure on strikers. Conte admires Hincapie’s aggressive nature, which explains why the Spurs are interested in him.
This transfer pursuit appears to be nearing completion, so it is certainly one to keep an eye on.
Meanwhile, the Spurs have begun looking for a retired player to help improve one of their problem positions, according to a report.
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