Liverpool could make ideal center-back transfer for Jürgen Klopp amid $32m ‘price drop’
Liverpool might be able to acquire the perfect center-back far more cheaply than originally thought, with a transfer surely tempting for Jürgen Klopp.
Liverpool is in the market for defensive reinforcements across multiple positions and could turn to the perfect option in Bayer 04 Leverkusen defender, Piero Hincapié.
The 21-year-old Ecuadorian international has been cited as a possible target for the Reds (per talkSPORT, among others). And given their lack of depth across the back four, especially when it comes to cover for new captain Virgil van Dijk, he could be an option Jürgen Klopp turns to before the close of the transfer window on September 1.
It is understood that if an offer in the region of this figure was tabled, Hincapié himself would look to push a move through due to his desire of testing himself in the top flight of English football, with Liverpool a destination on which he would be keen.
Liverpool.com has taken a look at the versatile defender and what he could offer Klopp’s squad.
Versatility
As previously mentioned, Liverpool is lacking depth across the back four and is in desperate need of a left-footed center back to add balance within the squad.
Hincapié offers this exact trait in abundance. At the beginning of his career he started as a full-back, but standing at 1.83m, he has since made the move into the center of defense for former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite the transition, he is still able to function as a traditional left-back and would offer a strong amount of versatility for Klopp to lean on.
As well as his own versatility, he also allows Klopp to trial different formations given his comfort playing within a back two or as part of a three-center-back partnership in defense. That was shown by his performances for Ecuador in the recent 2022 Qatar World Cup, where he played in both systems against the hosts Qatar and the Netherlands.
It’s a change which could also unleash the talents of Trent Alexander-Arnold in a more natural right-wing-back position for Liverpool, given the current struggles after his move into a hybrid midfield role.
Progression
Composure resonates throughout his game and at just 21 years of age, he displays experience beyond his years while in possession. The player can regularly be seen stepping out of defense and progressing his side forward, whether it is through the two progressive carries or three progressive passes he completes each game (averages per FBref).
This is also amplified by his aggressive nature while defending. Hincapié stays close to his opponents and jumps at any opportunity to intercept the ball to either clear it away from danger or take possession for himself. He is comfortable moving into the opponents’ half due to his attacking nature while playing as a left-back, which could be a strong option for Liverpool to turn to if he arrives.
Inexperience
Despite all the positives for Hincapié, he is still very much within the early stages of his career. At times he is reckless and the previously mentioned positives, such as his aggression and eagerness to get forward, could be portrayed as naivety in the Premier League if exploited.
If the Reds did choose to invest in the player, he would have to be a project, given time to ease into the role and what Klopp demands of his defenders. With experience, his traits could be given the platform to thrive. However, his integration into English football would have to be monitored closely — although in light of the $32m ‘price drop’ compared to the previous quoted fee, he is surely worth the risk.
