Piero Hincapié Seeks Premier League Move as Transfer Window Heats Up

August 25, 2025 – Bayer Leverkusen’s 23-year-old Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié has expressed his desire to leave the German club before the summer transfer window closes on August 31, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. With a reported €60 million release clause, Hincapié has attracted attention from Premier League giants, including Tottenham Hotspur, who made an inquiry 10 days ago. The versatile center-back, instrumental in Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning campaign last season, is seen as a prime target for clubs seeking to bolster their defenses.

The move comes amid speculation of a managerial transition at Leverkusen, with Erik ten Hag reportedly in talks to replace Xabi Alonso. Hincapié’s potential departure follows a series of high-profile exits, including winger Amine Adli’s £25 million transfer to Bournemouth. Chelsea and Arsenal are also monitoring the situation, with Chelsea’s need for a new defender heightened by Levi Colwill’s recent ACL injury. Leverkusen, however, may resist, valuing Hincapié’s 165 appearances and ball-playing ability, which ranked him among the Bundesliga’s top 10 for touches last season. As the deadline approaches, negotiations could hinge on whether the €60 million clause holds firm, potentially setting a new benchmark for South American talent transfers.