Real Madrid-linked defender likely to move to the Premier League – report | OneFootball

As Real Madrid continue to scour the market for defensive reinforcements, Piero Hincapie has been one of the names linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Regarded as one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga, Hincapie has enjoyed immense success since joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2021.

The Ecuadorian has already featured in 165 competitive matches for the club, establishing himself as a vital cog in Leverkusen’s defensive unit.

However, Hincapie’s days at Leverkusen are numbered, with the defender being strongly linked with a move away from the club this summer. Real Madrid, to that end, were one of the clubs interested in his services.

Hincapie likely to join the Premier League

A recent report from ESPN has explained that Hincapie was an option for Real Madrid primarily due to Xabi Alonso.

The Spaniard, during his time at Leverkusen, had worked closely with the Ecuadorian international and had, in fact, played a key role in his rapid rise to prominence.

Hincapie could join the Premier League this summer (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Alonso was keen on working with him again at Real Madrid, though the club have already roped in Dean Huijsen and are in talks to sign Ibrahima Konate.

The report, therefore, adds that Hincapie is more likely to join the Premier League as we enter the final week of the transfer window.

Although Leverkusen are keen on keeping hold of the defender’s services, an offer of around €40-60 million could be hard to refuse, as far as the German giants are concerned.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are gearing up for a potential revamp in the defensive unit in 2026, with the club unlikely to renew the contract of veteran duo Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba.

While Konate is one of the potential targets, the club must make a move for at least one more defender next summer. If Hincapie does end up remaining at Leverkusen this summer, it won’t be surprising to see Alonso weighing up a move for the centre-back next year.