Tottenham are exploring a move for a new defensive option this summer, with reports linking the club to Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie, even as their pursuit of Eberechi Eze and Savinho continues.
In recent days, Tottenham Hotspur have been heavily linked with moves for attacking players, which is hardly surprising given their current shortage in that department.
With Heung-min Son having completed his transfer to LAFC, along with Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison sidelined through long-term injuries, there is an increasing need for fresh options in the final third.
While Eberechi Eze and Savinho have been identified as the primary attacking targets for Spurs, new reports indicate that Tottenham are also weighing up a move for a versatile centre-back.
Tottenham identify Piero Hincapie as key defensive signing
According to Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe, it is believed that Spurs have earmarked Piero Hincapie as their preferred option for the left-sided centre-back role in this transfer window.
It is understood that while those at Tottenham rate the Ecuadorian highly, a deal would be difficult to pull off and would require a sizeable fee.
Reports from a few days back revealed that Erik Ten Hag made it clear that he does not want to lose Hincapie this summer, with the centre-back having a £52.5m release clause.
MORE SPURS STORIES
Nonetheless, Thomas Frank and the Tottenham hierarchy consider the 23-year-old as a strong fit for their defensive setup.
O’Keefe has also stressed that pursuing Hincapie will not derail Tottenham’s plans to sign both Eze and Savinho this summer.
O’Keefe has also stressed that pursuing Hincapie will not derail Tottenham’s plans to sign both Eze and Savinho this summer.
Why Piero Hincapie could be a smart move for Spurs
Tottenham’s interest in Hincapie is nothing new, with the defender previously linked to the club during last season’s injury crisis.
Currently at Bayer Leverkusen, Hincapie is capable of playing both as a centre-back and a full-back, giving him the versatility to address more than one defensive need.
Frank’s tactical flexibility often sees him switch to a back three, and Hincapie is well accustomed to that system. With Tottenham still seeking adequate cover for Micky van de Ven, this signing could be a logical and well-rounded solution.