Bayer Leverkusen have made their stance clear about Piero Hincapie despite mounting interest from several Premier League clubs. The Ecuadorian defender is regarded as a vital part of the club’s long-term project and is seen as a crucial figure by manager Erik ten Hag.
Softfootball understands that Chelsea are reportedly targeting Piero Hincapié as they want to reinforce their backline following the loss of Levi Colwill, who recently underwent surgery for a torn ACL and is expected to miss most of the 2025/26 season.
The Ecuadorian international, who can play both centre-back and left-back, would be Chelsea’s ideal solution to their current injury problem, especially because of his versatility. If Hincapié was to move to the Blues, he would meet international teammate Moises Caicedo.
But, according to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via his X account, Bayer Leverkusen view Piero Hincapié as a cornerstone of their long-term project, despite interest from several Premier League clubs. The Bundesliga side have no plans to part ways with the talented Ecuadorian defender this summer. His tweet reads:
“Despite Premier League clubs’ appreciation, Bayer Leverkusen see Piero Hincapié as key part of the project.
No intention to sell the Ecuadorian defender this summer, seen as crucial player by Erik ten Hag.”
Should Piero Hincapie however, decide to move to Chelsea before the transfer window closes, there are several reasons why the 23-year-old would be a better signing this summer, and the first relates to what the Enzo Maresca squad need at the moment.
As things stand, the Blues’ attack feels particularly stacked with quality across most positions, and with Xavi Simons still being linked with a move, it feels like adding even more attack-minded players isn’t a necessity.
On the other hand, the team’s defence has been made markedly weaker by Levi Colwill’s ACL injury, and while Jorrel Hato has joined the team, he’s still just 19 years old and has never played in a top-five league, so throwing him in right away feels like a recipe for disaster.
Therefore, bringing in the Bayer Leverkusen ace is a far more pressing concern and Maresca has insisted that Chelsea need a central defender.
