Liverpool get transfer update on ideal €58m Colwill alternative

Tom Weber

• Updated: 7 May 2024 14:23 BST
• 3 min read

Bayer Leverkusen will try to keep Piero Hincapie this summer, according to a report.

The Ecuador international is regarded as one of the biggest defensive talents in Europe and the 22-year-old has managed to win back his place in Xabi Alonso's side in the second half of the season after struggling for minutes early on.

Hincapie's performances and potential have, naturally, attracted the attention of clubs elsewhere and Liverpool have been linked on-and-off with the versatile defender for almost a year. The Reds have been looking for a left-footed, young centre-back since last summer and Hincapie fits the bill.

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The need to sign that kind of player could become particularly pressing in the next few months after FootballTransfers in conjunction with Anfield Watch was able to reveal that Joe Gomez is open to a change of scenery this summer. His departure would leave a gaping hole in the Reds' squad.

Even more prominently linked than Hincapie has been Levi Colwill. Perhaps the most promising left-footed defender in world football right now, Liverpool have been said to be incredibly keen on the 21-year-old for some time, but the fact that he extended his Chelsea contract last year means that it will be nigh-on impossible to land him.

Hincapie not for sale

Hincapie could, therefore, have been a viable alternative for the Reds, but it seems that club legend Xabi Alonso will not do them any favours in the summer. According to Ben Jacobs, Bayer Leverkusen have no intention of selling the 22-year-old this year.

Leverkusen know that, given their success, one big sale is inevitable, but they will nevertheless attempt to keep the majority of their squad together for their upcoming Champions League campaign and Bundesliga title defence. Hincapie, due to his versatility, is seen as an important player and Bayer 04 want to retain his services.

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The player, it is claimed, would be open to a Premier League switch and Leverkusen are said to value him at roughly €58m. He is, however, still under contract until 2027, so the German champions are under no pressure to sell.