LONDON,ENGLAND – August 7,2025 – Chelsea is intensifying its efforts to secure Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen,with negotiations expected to accelerate before the start of the 2025-26 Premier league season on August 16th. This pursuit comes as midfielder Moisés Caicedo reportedly expressed disappointment after being excluded from the shortlist for the 2025 Ballon d’Or award,announced earlier today in Paris.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Valuation of Hincapié

Bayer Leverkusen is holding firm on a €70 million release clause for the 22-year-old Hincapié, who has become a cornerstone of their defense since joining from Talleres de Córdoba in Argentina in August 2021. Leverkusen finished 2nd in the Bundesliga last season, conceding only 32 goals, with Hincapié playing a key role in their defensive solidity.Chelsea,bolstered by recent revenue from their Club World Cup victory in February 2025,views the fee as manageable.

Competition for Hincapié’s signature

Chelsea faces notable competition for Hincapié’s services. Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Atlético Madrid, and Bayern Munich have all previously expressed interest in the Ecuadorian international. Real Madrid, specifically, has reportedly scouted Hincapié extensively, viewing him as a potential long-term replacement for veteran defender Nacho Fernández, who is nearing the end of his contract. Liverpool manager Arne Slot is also keen to add a left-sided center-back to his squad following the departure of Joël Matip to Al-Nassr in June 2025. Negotiations with Arsenal are reportedly stalled due to their focus on Declan Rice’s contract extension.