Liverpool are locked in negotiations to add further signings following their addition of Jeremie Frimpong this summer.
Liverpool Eye Piero Hincapie After Missing Out on Dean Huijsen
Liverpool may have secured the early signing of Jeremie Frimpong, but the club’s summer transfer work is far from complete. With a deal for the Bayer Leverkusen right-back already done, focus has now shifted to bolstering key areas across the pitch — and particularly in central defence.
The Reds remain in talks for Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, with optimism that both will arrive in the coming weeks. However, the business shouldn’t stop there.
While the attacking department could see some fireworks, Arne Slot and the club hierarchy are well aware of the need for reinforcements at centre-back, especially after missing out on top target Dean Huijsen, who recently joined Real Madrid.
Hincapie Sends Timely Reminder
One name that has re-emerged on Liverpool’s radar is Piero Hincapie. The Ecuadorian defender, who has long been admired by the Reds, reminded everyone of his quality with a standout performance for his national team against Brazil on Friday.
Lining up against the likes of Vinicius Junior, Estevao Willian, and Richarlison, Hincapie delivered a commanding display, winning 7 of 8 duels, completing 3 clearances, 1 interception, and 9 recoveries. He was named man of the match by Sports Illustrated and rated the game’s best player by FotMob.
A Centre-Back Is Still Needed
Though Liverpool could theoretically head into the new season with their current defensive options, concerns remain:
• Jarell Quansah has been linked with a possible move away.
• Joe Gomez’s long-term future is uncertain.
• Ibrahima Konaté’s contract negotiations are dragging on.
• Virgil van Dijk, while still a key figure, is 32 and entering the final year of his deal.
Liverpool haven’t signed a centre-back since Konaté in 2021, and with Huijsen off the table, the Reds must act fast to avoid missing out again.
Hincapie Could Be Available
Crucially, Hincapie’s agent has recently confirmed that the 23-year-old could be available this summer. Reports suggest a £42 million release clause may be active in his contract with Leverkusen.
Given Liverpool’s ongoing discussions with the Bundesliga club — first for Frimpong, and potentially for Wirtz — it’s not far-fetched to imagine that Hincapie’s name has already come up.
What’s Next?
For now, Wirtz and Kerkez are the priority targets, but the work behind the scenes must continue. With the centre-back market heating up, Liverpool can’t afford to sit still — and with performances like Hincapie’s, other clubs will soon be circling.
If the Reds want to secure a long-term successor to Van Dijk and shore up their back line, Piero Hincapie could be the perfect fit.