Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is reportedly planning to bring Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, aiming to reunite with the Ecuadorian defender in a deal valued at around £34 million.
Despite already securing Dean Huijsen to bolster their backline, Real Madrid remain active in the market for another central defender. With David Alaba possibly on his way out, Raul Asencio underwhelming, and Eder Militao’s injury woes ongoing, the need for depth is urgent. Antonio Rudiger, although reliable, turns 33 early next year, further increasing the urgency.
Alonso, who previously managed Hincapie at Leverkusen, is said to be a strong admirer of the 23-year-old. The defender has impressed since his move to Germany from Talleres in 2021, amassing 164 appearances and becoming a key figure in Leverkusen’s backline. Last season, he played 45 games across all competitions, contributing three goals and two assists.
Even though Hincapie signed a contract extension in December 2024, reports suggest Real Madrid are seriously considering triggering a move, especially with his release fee rumoured to be a manageable €40m (£34m).
Alonso has expressed a preference for tactical flexibility, often deploying a back three. He explained after a Club World Cup win over Salzburg how the system provides depth and quality in possession:
“This system gives us depth and collective quality. Players like Jude [Bellingham] and Arda [Guler] benefit from the spaces it creates.”
With Rudiger back from a knee injury and Huijsen already integrated, Hincapie’s arrival could complete Alonso’s ideal defensive trio as Real Madrid build a squad fit for domestic and European challenges.