How Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen young star can TRANSFORM Liverpool

Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapié has been the talk of the town in Xabi Alonso’s residence of Leverkusen, with the youngster attracting the attention of clubs across Europe.

And it’s expected the 22- year- old could soon make a name for himself in Merseyside.

The Ecuadorian defender has been closely linked with a move to Liverpool over the summer and is reportedly being monitored by the club, as per Football Insider.

Read more... could Hincapié be on his way to Anfield?

But who is Hincapié, and how important could he be to Arne Slot’s reds?

Signing for Bayer Leverkusen in the 2021/22 campaign, Hincapié has gone on to make over 100 appearances for the German side, featuring 43 times across all competitions in their undefeated league title winning season.

Hincapié kept 13 clean sheets in 26 Bundesliga appearances as they stormed past previous winners Bayern Munich, eventually winning the title an emphatic 17 points ahead of the German giants.

Operating for Alonso’s side both as a centre back or a left back if needed, the Ecuadorian international has proved instrumental to Bayer Leverkusen’s success during his three-year spell at the club.

The defender also has some experience against Premier League opposition, featuring against West Ham in the UEFA Europa League as the German club edged out their opponents on aggregate.

Should Liverpool opt to purchase Hincapié, it is expected that the defender will immediately be in Arne Slot’s plans regarding team selection.

Given the recent departure of Sepp van den Berg, aswell as rumours of a further departure with Joe Gomez linked to Newcastle United, it may be wise for the Reds to bring the Ecuadorian to Anfield.

It must also be considered that, with an aging Andrew Robertson and an uncertain Virgil van Dijk, purchasing a young defender who is able to operate both as a centre- back and a left back provides a significant solution to Liverpool’s current defensive concerns.

What’s happening with Hincapié?

Bayer Leverkusen were said to have turned down Liverpool's approach for the defender in January, however the Reds are currently rumoured to be making another approach.

At this current time, there are yet to be any significant developments regarding a potential deal.

Hincapié featured for Bayer Leverkusen yesterday in their late victory away to Borussia Mönchengladbach, so it is unlikely that the defender is currently negotiating with another club for an exit.

It is rumoured that Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich are also interested in the Ecuadorian, whilst the Liverpool Echo reports that the Reds would be provided a ‘green light’ to secure the services of the Leverkusen star for a sum of £50 million.

Should the deal be finalised, it would be Slot’s first senior signing as Liverpool manager, as the club remain the only Premier League side yet to land a player.