Real Madrid Eye Late Transfer Move for Piero Hincapié Amid Defensive Reshuffle
As the summer transfer window nears its dramatic conclusion, Real Madrid are actively exploring ways to bolster their backline, and one name that continues to surface in the rumor mill is Piero Hincapié, the highly-rated Ecuadorian defender from Bayer Leverkusen.
With Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side experiencing a major squad overhaul in recent months — highlighted by the departures of key figures such as Granit Xhaka, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Amine Adli, and Jonathan Tah — Hincapié could be the next high-profile exit. The 22-year-old center-back is reportedly open to taking the next step in his career, and a move to Santiago Bernabéu is firmly on the radar.
Hincapié Transfer Update: Ready to Exit Leverkusen?
According to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Hincapié is seriously considering a departure from Leverkusen during the final stretch of the transfer window. Sources close to the club suggest that the defender feels it’s the right moment to embrace a new challenge, especially with top European clubs monitoring his situation closely.
While Bayer Leverkusen remain determined to retain the Ecuador international — largely due to the difficulty of sourcing a quality replacement in such a short timeframe — the lure of a La Liga giant like Madrid could prove too strong for both the player and his representatives.
Real Madrid Face Financial Hurdle Over €60M Release Clause
Any potential transfer won’t come cheap. Hincapié has a reported release clause of €60 million, a significant figure that might pose a challenge for Los Blancos, particularly in a summer where they have already spent around €178 million on reinforcements.
Unless Real Madrid can recoup funds through a major outgoing transfer, pulling off the Hincapié deal may remain out of financial reach. This brings Rodrygo Goes into the conversation — the Brazilian winger has been the subject of growing speculation amid links with Premier League and Saudi clubs. However, the 23-year-old has shown no inclination to leave the Spanish capital, which complicates matters further.
