Betrayed! Liverpool legend Alonso blocks star's Reds transfer

Tom Weber

• Updated: 28 Dec 2023 16:07 GMT
• 3 min read

Liverpool will not be able to reinforce their squad with the addition of Piero Hincapie in January, according to German media.

The Bayer Leverkusen defender has struggled to break into Xabi Alonso's settled back three of Jonathan Tah, Edmond Tapsoba and Odilon Kossounou despite being a regular last season. With Leverkusen topping the Bundesliga and boasting the best defence in the league, this likely won't change until the end of the season.

Hincapie would be right to be frustrated with his lack of minutes as the 21-year-old is regarded as one of the biggest defensive talents currently plying his trade in Europe. A player equally comfortable at centre-back as he is at left-back, the Ecuador international has been attracting high-profile attention and his unsatisfactory situation this term has only fuelled speculation about his future.

A player who would be perfect for Liverpool due to his versatility, Hincapie continues to be frequently linked with Jurgen Klopp's Reds. However, a move is unlikely to materialise in January, in large part due to former Liverpool player Alonso.

Hincapie not for sale

According to Kicker, the Reds legend has made it clear that no important players will be sold in January as Leverkusen fight for their first-ever Bundesliga title. Hincapie is a vital asset to have even if he doesn't start as many games as he would like.

This report comes mere days after sporting director Simon Rolfes categorically ruled out any major January departures. "Everyone stays," Rolfes told Kicker. "We're not letting anyone leave in the winter [window]."

At the time, Rolfes said this in reference to the fresh links with Jonathan Tah, who is reportedly being eyed by the likes of West Ham, Chelsea and Bayern. Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Edmond Tapsoba and Victor Boniface are also players who will have no shortage of suitors in 2024.