Liverpool have been linked with a Bayer Leverkusen defender.
A decision that Xabi Alonso makes this summer could well have an impact on Liverpool’s summer business.
Bayer Leverkusen enjoyed a season that no-one could have predicted. When Alonso took charge of the Die Schwarzroten in October 2022, they were second-bottom of the Bundesliga table. Remarkably, the former Anfield midfielder guided the club to sixth spot – and they continued their momentum emphatically.
Leverkusen captured the interest of football fans across Europe as they raced ahead of Bayern Munich, who had won the past 11 titles, in the table. Alonso’s free-flowing side went unbeaten throughout the Bundesliga campaign to claim their first-ever crown, as well as the DFB-Polkal.
Leverkusen suffered just one defeat all season – which came at the hands of Atalanta in the Europa League final, which prevented them from achieving a treble.
There was a genuine argument that Leverkusen were the third-best team in Europe behind Real Madrid and Manchester City. Yet like when Leicester City were shock Premier League winners in 2016, with N’Golo Kante being poached by Chelsea, Leverkusen’s players are reportedly being coveted by plenty of teams. Florian Wirtz has already reportedly agreed to join Real Madrid in 2025.
What’s more, Liverpool have been linked with Piero Hincapie. The 22-year-old made 43 appearances last term, mainly in a centre-back role but he also featured at left-back. The Reds have a new central defender on their wish list and the fact that Hincapie is left-footed would appeal, with no other player with such attribute in the current squad.
The Ecuador international’s agent, Manuel Sierra, admitted that Liverpool have previously been keen on his client. “Liverpool were interested in him but at that time they chose to invest in the midfield,” Sierra told Bolavip last October. ‘For January they are talking like other clubs, it will not be less than €50 million.”
Hincapie could well remain on Liverpool’s list of transfer targets. Fichajes (via CaughtOffside) reported that the Reds are still keen.
Alonso may be pragmatic enough to know that he won’t keep hold of every player who helped Leverkusen make history. But with Die Schwarzroten competing in the Champions League, they won’t want to lose too many – especially in the same position.
Another centre-back in Jonathan Tah is also said to be wanted. The 28-year-old is being targeted by Bayern Munich as Vincent Kompany aims to restore the club back to the pinnacle of German football.
While it is suggested that an agreement is not close to being reached, Leverkusen do not hold as much bargaining power. Tah has only a year left on his Ulrich Haberland Stadium contract – and could leave as a free agent in a year’s time. Hincapie, on the other hand, is tied down until 2027.
Therefore, if Leverkusen have to part ways with one, the more likely is Tah. And that could mean that, if Liverpool are keep on Hincapie, they may miss out and look elsewhere.
