Tottenham target Piero Hincapie extends contract at Bayer Leverkusen

Piero Hincapie has extended his contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2027 after impressing during his short stay at the club.

The 21-year-old is a target for Tottenham Hotspur, who are looking for a left-sided centre-back. The defender fits the profile and can deputise at full-back.

However, Hincapie extended the five-year deal he signed when he joined the Bundesliga club in 2021. He has since extended his deal by two years.

Hincapie had joined from Argentine club CA Talleres after only 33 senior appearances and a superb five-game run at the 2021 Copa America.

Despite his inexperience, Hincapie excelled in his debut Bundesliga campaign. He earned plaudits as one of the most talented young defenders in the league.

“Piero’s signing eighteen months ago was an investment in the future,” said Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes said (via the club’s website).

“Back then he was a talented central defender with really big potential.

“He became a key performer for our Werkself a long time ago. He has shown his international quality in the Bundesliga, in the Champions League and recently at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“Piero is one of the key elements in the team who we can count on to help us achieve ambitious targets in the next few years.”

Hincapie has impressed Die Werkself in his one-and-a-half-year stay in Germany, showing his natural aggression and ability to progress the ball.

He has attracted the attention of several European clubs including Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus.

Tottenham have an eye on him and Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan. Serie A giants Juventus are monitoring him to replace club legend Giorgio Chiellini.

Chelsea also targeted him after struggling to sign Josko Gvardiol but settled for Benoit Badiashile instead.

Hincapie is still a bit rash in his challenges, which is normal for his age.

He has won 57% of his duels in the Bundesliga, recording three clean sheets in 18 appearances this season. Hincapie also performed well in the Champions League.