Who is Piero Hincapie? Ecuador's World Cup star wanted by Chelsea

James Shearman

• Updated: 20 Dec 2022 13:20 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea have been keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, with a view towards making a move in 2023.

Hincapie has impressed for Leverkusen this season, despite the Bundesliga club’s difficult start, by showing his quality in a struggling side.

He has since won plaudits for his performances for Ecuador at the World Cup, where he was reportedly tracked by Chelsea.

READ: CHO me the door! Chelsea's Hudson-Odoi only a 'short-term' solution for Leverkusen

The 20-year-old centre-back has had a quick rise in the game, having only left Argentina for Europe last year.

And now it seems he will be on his way to one of Europe's top sides in the near future.

What position does Piero Hincapie play in?

Hincapie typically plays as a centre-back for Bayer Leverkusen and Ecuador.

He can also perform well as a left-back, why is why he suits the left side of a back three perfectly.

How good is Piero Hincapie?

Hincapie joined Leverkusen from Argentine side Talleres for just €6.4m in August 2021.

He slotted into the Werkself's first-team at centre-back, before being moved to left-back under Gerardo Martino.

But under Xabi Alonso, who replaced Martino in October, he has returned to centre-back - where his career should lie long term.

He has averaged one shot-creating action, two tackles and three progressive passes per 90 minutes over the last year in the Bundesliga, putting him among the best league-wide for those figures among those in his position.

And at just 20, Hincapie has already racked up 24 caps with Ecuador, where he made a name for himself as they just missed out on the knockout rounds.

He is now rated at €23m by Football Transfers in-house algorithm, but Leverkusen could easily ask for more than that.

What clubs are interested in Piero Hincapie?

''Piero Hincapie has been scouted by many important clubs including Chelsea, Inter, Napoli, Tottenham and Spanish clubs too,'' Fabrizio Romano reported.

“But it’s about scouting and following the player, there’s nothing advanced about negotiations at this stage. He’s a very good, interesting centre-back and he has a chance to move in 2023.”

When does Piero Hincapie's contract expire?

Hincapie signed a five-year deal with Leverkusen in the summer of 2022. It expires in 2027.

How old is Piero Hincapie?

Hincapie’s birthday is 9 December, 2002. He is 20 years old - the same age as Josko Gvardiol.