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Sky Sports activities: Liverpool ‘Significantly Contemplating’ Transfer to Signal 23-year-old Bundesliga Star

As Liverpool start shaping their summer time switch plans below Arne Slot, reviews from counsel that Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie has emerged as a critical goal for the membership. The Ecuadorian worldwide is now firmly on the Reds’ radar as they assess defensive reinforcements amid potential exits in that division.

Slot’s Centre-Again Issues Mount

Liverpool’s want for a brand new centre-back isn’t new — it’s been quietly simmering beneath the floor all season. The Merseyside membership at present have 4 senior choices on the again, however hypothesis continues to develop round the way forward for Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah, each of whom are being courted by Newcastle United.

Photograph: IMAGO

Slot’s tactical emphasis on positional fluidity and constructing from the again has made the defensive position a precedence zone. With Virgil van Dijk nonetheless main the road however now not invincible, the Reds are rigorously planning for succession.

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“Liverpool are critically contemplating reinforcing their centre-back division in the summertime, given the opportunity of one or two departures in that place,” Sky Germany reported — an announcement that reinforces the quiet urgency at Anfield.

Piero Hincapie – The Ultimate Slot Defender?

Hincapie isn’t an unfamiliar identify in scouting circles. Since becoming a member of Bayer Leverkusen in 2021, the 23-year-old has quickly developed right into a standout performer below Xabi Alonso, serving to the membership to their first-ever Bundesliga title this season.

With 37 appearances, three targets, and two assists to his identify, Hincapie’s influence has gone past simply defending. His versatility is one other main draw — he can function as each a left-sided centre-back and a full-back, giving Liverpool tactical flexibility ought to accidents or fixture congestion strike once more.

Photograph: IMAGO

“The Ecuadorian has been with Leverkusen since 2021 and has grown right into a key participant on the membership,” the report said. It’s value noting that Hincapie’s inventory is on the rise, and Liverpool’s reported curiosity isn’t remoted — Actual Madrid are additionally within the race, pushing the Reds into doubtlessly fierce competitors.

Guehi, Huijsen and the Defensive Depth Debate

Hincapie is certainly one of a number of names being linked to Liverpool’s defence rebuild. Talks have been held “with the agent of Crystal Palace’s defender Marc Guehi a couple of weeks in the past,” and the curiosity there may be “critical.” Guehi’s presence in Palace’s resurgent setup below Oliver Glasner makes him an interesting Premier League-ready choice.

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In the meantime, Dean Huijsen, the 19-year-old Spain and Bournemouth defender, can also be admired by Anfield’s recruitment group. Nonetheless, with Actual Madrid reportedly “within the lead for his signature,” the path could also be cooling — at the very least for now.

Photograph: IMAGO

The number of targets factors to Liverpool’s flexibility out there, nevertheless it additionally highlights the uncertainty round who stays and who goes. If Gomez or Quansah depart, at the very least one signing will probably be important, and Hincapie may supply extra than simply depth — he may very well be a long-term fixture.

Monetary Hurdles and Competitors

The monetary side of this potential deal can’t be ignored. Hincapie’s contract runs till 2029, having penned a brand new deal simply 4 months in the past, which locations Bayer Leverkusen in a robust bargaining place. With no public launch clause, the German champions might look to spark a bidding struggle — particularly with Actual Madrid within the background.

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Leverkusen’s pursuit of Albian Hajdari suggests they’re getting ready for all times after Hincapie, which may strengthen Liverpool’s hand if an acceptable bid is tabled. Nonetheless, Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth can also be being monitored for the left-back function, though the Cherries are demanding a hefty £45 million.

How a lot Leverkusen demand for Hincapie stays unknown, however along with his contract standing and present kind, the worth is not going to be modest.

Our View – Anfield Index Evaluation

This story will certainly get the Kop speaking. Hincapie feels just like the type of proactive signing Liverpool followers have been crying out for — a mix of youth, top-level expertise, and tactical versatility. He’s been a pivotal cog in Alonso’s Leverkusen machine, and the truth that the Bundesliga champions are already lining up a alternative suggests there’s actual hearth behind this smoke.

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If Actual Madrid are genuinely in for Huijsen, then Liverpool may shift gears on Hincapie swiftly. And with Guehi additionally within the body, the recruitment group appears to be working with flexibility and objective. There’s a transparent shift away from stopgap signings; these are gamers who may form the backbone of the group for the subsequent 5 years or extra.

However the fanbase gained’t be simply impressed by curiosity alone. What issues is getting these offers accomplished — early, and decisively. Arne Slot will want a reliable and cellular defensive base to implement his concepts, and Hincapie suits that invoice. If we’re critical about returning to title rivalry, we are able to’t afford one other summer time of last-minute fixes.

This may very well be the primary main step of the Slot period. It’s time to stroll the speak.