Chelsea are reportedly considering a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s gifted left-sided defender, Piero Hincapié, following the devastating ACL injury suffered by Levi Colwill. Colwill has been an important figure in Chelsea’s defence, and his long-term absence has forced the club to urgently seek a reliable replacement who can immediately slot into Enzo Maresca’s plans.
Hincapié, a highly regarded Ecuadorian international, has attracted interest from several top European clubs due to his calmness in possession, impressive recovery speed, and ability to play both as a centre-back and a left-back. His versatility and consistent performances under Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen make him an ideal candidate to step in during this crucial period.
Sources close to the situation reveal that Maresca is personally a big admirer of the 22-year-old. The Chelsea boss reportedly sees Hincapié’s technical ability and tactical awareness as a perfect match for the possession-based football he is implementing at Stamford Bridge.
His confidence in playing out from the back and his aggression in one-on-one defensive duels would instantly strengthen Chelsea’s defence, while also improving the team’s ball progression from deep areas. The fact that Hincapié already has Champions League experience is viewed as an additional advantage, especially as Chelsea prepare for a challenging season without one of their most promising young defenders.
Chelsea supporters have long voiced their desire to see Hincapié in blue, even before Colwill’s injury. Many fans have consistently mentioned his name in transfer wishlists, pointing to his style of play and adaptability as exactly what the club needs. The news of renewed interest has sparked fresh excitement across the fanbase, with many seeing him not only as a short-term injury cover but also as a potential long-term pillar in the team’s defensive structure.
However, securing Hincapié’s signature will not be straightforward. Bayer Leverkusen value him highly due to his contributions to their Bundesliga success and solid European campaigns. Negotiations are expected to be tough, with Chelsea needing to act swiftly to avoid losing out to rival clubs. Given the urgency created by Colwill’s injury, the Blues are likely to open talks quickly to test Leverkusen’s willingness to sell.
For Maresca, this move could mark a significant early moment in his Chelsea career. Signing a defender of Hincapié’s quality would send a strong signal of the club’s determination to stay competitive despite setbacks. It would also ensure the squad retains defensive balance and tactical flexibility.
As the transfer window ticks down, all eyes are now on Chelsea to see if they can seal the deal and bring Hincapié to West London.
