The Premier League has once again emerged as Real Madrid’s strongest rival in the transfer market, especially when it comes to securing young talents.
Xabi Alonso, who recently took over as Real Madrid’s head coach, has been eager to strengthen his defensive line. Among his preferred options was Ecuadorian international Piero Hincapié, a standout performer in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.
However, the 23-year-old defender is now attracting significant attention from England, with Tottenham Hotspur already stepping forward to make initial inquiries about his availability.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Hincapié has become a serious target for multiple Premier League clubs, and Tottenham have been the first to establish contact.
Reports from Defensa Central reveal that the player has already decided to leave Bayer Leverkusen, despite being under contract until 2029. His release clause, set at €60 million, is not considered excessive for top English sides, making him a very realistic signing for clubs seeking to bolster their defensive ranks before the transfer window closes.
For Alonso, the situation is particularly frustrating. During his time in charge of Leverkusen, he played a crucial role in Hincapié’s development, turning him into one of the most reliable defenders in the Bundesliga. The young center-back logged close to 4,000 minutes across competitions last season, proving his consistency and importance to the German champions.
Alonso had hoped to bring that reliability and familiarity to Real Madrid, seeing Hincapié as a defender who could seamlessly adapt to life at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Despite Alonso’s admiration for his former player, Real Madrid’s board does not share the same enthusiasm.
Club officials have reportedly ruled out making a move for Hincapié this summer, leaving Alonso disappointed as he watches Premier League sides close in. For Madrid’s hierarchy, investing €60 million in the defender does not align with their current transfer strategy, even though his age, versatility, and international experience make him a valuable asset.
As things stand, Tottenham are leading the race, but competition from other English clubs is expected to intensify. With Hincapié determined to take the next step in his career, a Premier League move looks increasingly inevitable. This means that not only will Alonso be denied the chance to reunite with a player he knows so well, but La Liga may also lose another opportunity to secure one of Europe’s rising defensive stars.
In the end, Hincapié’s next chapter is all but certain to unfold in England. For Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso, it is another reminder of the growing challenge the Premier League poses in attracting and retaining elite talent.
