Liverpool remain interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapié, according to Sport Bild.
Jürgen Klopp desired to have Hincapié at the club in the summer however a deal could not be completed meaning the Ecuadorian is back on the radar for Liverpool this winter.
Per Transfermarkt, the 21-year-old has a market value of €35m and the Reds are looking to secure a transfer in the January window.
Manuel Sierra, Hincapié’s agent, explained to South American media why a deal may happen this winter rather than last summer.
“Liverpool were interested in him, but at the time they preferred to invest in midfield. We’ll talk to them in January as we do with other clubs. It will be no less than 50 million euros in transfer,“ said Sierra.
Sierra additionally told Fútbol sin Cassette : “We met on and off in the months between January and May, but we haven’t heard from Liverpool since May. Of course, we were surprised that they suddenly showed up with an offer. The first thing we were told was: ‘Tomorrow you have to go to Liverpool until you pass a medical examination’. How are we supposed to react to this when we haven’t negotiated, haven’t spoken and haven’t seen anything since May?”
Hincapié made 43 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen last season but has only played a total of 132 minutes in all competitions this season as he is struggling to cement a starting place in Xabi Alonso’s high-flying side.
He is a player who mainly operates as a centre-back and possesses strengths of aerial duels, tackling and his passing out from the back.
His discipline can sometimes be the only thing that lets him down but it is clear to see why he suits Klopp’s side with his aggression and willingness to play short and long passes.
GGFN | Matthew Gritton
