The 4th Official
·12 April 2024
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Yahoo sportsThe 4th Official
·12 April 2024
In a recent print edition, SportBILD mentioned that Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a move for Bayer 04 Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie this summer. It has been claimed that Spurs are showing interest in recruiting the Ecuadorian centre-back later this year.
The 22-year-old is enjoying his football at the German club after putting in a run of impressive displays at the heart of Xabi Alonso’s defence. Hincapie has registered one goal and one goal in 32 matches for Bayer 04 Leverkusen this season in various competitions.
The Ecuadorian sensation has been a rock at the back and deserves credit for averaging 1.1 tackles, 0.6 interceptions and 1.6 clearances per game in Bundesliga. He has even been tidy when distributing possession from the back based on his pass completion rate of 92.4% in the top tier of German football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at Leverkusen will expire in the summer of 2027. Therefore, Spurs would struggle to get a deal done for him on the cheap in the upcoming transfer period.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Ecuadorian defender #03 Piero Hincapie plays the ball during the UEFA Europa League Group round of 16, second-leg football match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Garabagh in Leverkusen, western Germany on March 14, 2024. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP)
Hincapie is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to earn possession back for his team on the defensive end of the field. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when needed and excels at playing his way out from inside his half.
The Ecuador international can use his strong frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air. However, there are some question marks over whether he can maintain his good form in Premier League football if Spurs manage to bring him on board later this summer.
We can expect Hincapie to bring more bite and steel to Tottenham Hotspur boss Angelos Postecoglu’s defence. He has what it takes to fight for a regular first-team spot at the North London club. The Ecuadorian talent would no doubt increase competition for places within their match-day squad.
Therefore, Tottenham should focus on getting him on board in the summer transfer period. At 22, he has the potential to become a world-class player in his position someday which makes him a great choice for Spurs to pursue ahead of the new campaign.