Liverpool transfers: Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie AVAILABLE this summer

Piero Hincapié could be available this summer as the star looks for regular first-team football according to Sky Germany.

The Ecuadorian has been on Liverpool’s radar for a long time and the Reds even reportedly tried to make an advance in January that was rebuffed by eventual Bundesliga winners Bayer Leverkusen.

It has been widely reported that Liverpool are in the market for another central defender this summer and with Sepp van den Berg potentially on the way out and Virgil Van Dijk only having one year left on his contract, Hincapié could be Liverpool’s man.

At just 22-years-old, Hincapié has already established himself as a top defender in Europe, playing 43 times last season for Leverkusen as they won an unbeaten league and cup double and narrowly missed out in the Europa League final.

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Liverpool’s interest

Although it had been reported earlier this summer that Liverpool may look elsewhere for central defensive reinforcements, the new update on Hincapié’s availability and also the transfers of Leny Yoro to Manchester United and Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal could see Liverpool reignite their interest in their long-time target.

Hincapié is a player that fits the profile of central defender Liverpool are looking for. He is a naturally left-sided centre back and is also comfortable playing at left back, which would provide valuable squad depth.

He is young and versatile but Leverkusen are unlikely to part with him cheaply. Fabrizio Romano confirmed in February that there is no release clause in the Ecuadorian’s contract and so its likely that if Liverpool were to make a move it could be an expensive one.

How Hincapié’s signing could affect the squad

Wantaway Dutchman van den Berg already seems to be edging closer to a Liverpool exit but the signing of Hincapié could also pave the way for another of Arne Slot’s defenders to leave.

Gomez was reportedly included as part of a proposed deal that would have seen him head to Newcastle, with England star Anthony Gordon heading the other way. Gomez’s inclusion in this deal has reportedly left the 27-year-old ready to consider his future at Anfield.

Despite being a central defender, Gomez played nearly half of his games for Liverpool last season at left back.

If the defender were to depart, a versatile replacement such as Hincapié, who is also capable of playing both positions, would be the best option to replace him.