The Premier League is once again set to outmuscle Real Madrid in the transfer market, with Bayer Leverkusenās Piero HincapiĆ© attracting strong interest from England.
Xabi Alonso, who coached the Ecuadorian defender during his time in Germany, had hoped to bring the 23-year-old to Madrid. But according to Fabrizio Romano, several Premier League clubs are now moving quickly ā with Tottenham Hotspur already making contact.
Madrid Step Back
Despite Alonsoās admiration, reports from Defensa Central suggest Madrid have ruled HincapiĆ© out of their transfer plans. With a ā¬60 million release clause, the defender is seen as an attainable target for Europeās top clubs, but a BernabĆ©u reunion with his former coach wonāt happen.
Key for Leverkusen
HincapiĆ© has been a cornerstone for Leverkusen since arriving from Club AtlĆ©tico Talleres in 2021. Last season, he clocked nearly 4,000 minutes, playing a vital role in their title-winning campaign ā development shaped heavily under Alonsoās guidance.
England Calling
Though tied to Leverkusen until 2029, the Ecuadorian has made clear he wants a new challenge before the window closes. Tottenham lead the chase, but other English clubs are also circling.
At just 23, HincapiƩ offers both youth and top-level experience, and all signs point toward his next chapter being in the Premier League.