Fabrizio Romano reveals Tottenham’s chances of signing Piero Hincapie this summer

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in signing Piero Hincapie, but the latest update on the proposed move leaves little to be hopeful about.

Not long ago, it looked like Tottenham Hotspur could be done with defensive signings this summer. Koto Takai was added to the Tottenham first-team squad and many were hopeful that Luka Vuskovic would avoid another loan move.

To add to this, Spurs have been focused on adding attacking depth to their squad. From the signings of Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, to their unsuccessful pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White, it is clear where Thomas Frank believes his team must strengthen.

However, a few days ago, it was reported that Tottenham were targeting Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie. The 23-year-old has experience playing as both a centre-back and a left-back, so he would be useful to a manager like Frank, who has already implemented two different formations, based on Tottenham’s opponents.  

Tottenham suffer a blow in their attempts to sign Piero Hincapie 

Piero Hincapie has a £51m release clause, but Tottenham are likely to prefer a negotiated deal, considering the money that has already been spent.

However, Fabrizio Romano has reported that Hincapie is not for sale. The Ecuadorian is a key part of the Bayer Leverkusen project and Erik Ten Hag sees him as a crucial player.

This may not come as a surprise to Tottenham, because Bayer Leverkusen already told Tottenham they would not listen to offers for Hincapie.

Liverpool and Chelsea also enquired about the defender, while Atletico Madrid were unsuccessful in signing him as an alternative to Cristian Romero, after failing to pay his release clause.

Hincapie would be a necessary addition to Spurs

While there are obvious attacking needs in Tottenham’s squad, the defence ought not be ignored, particularly after last season. There are plenty of options in the right centre-back position, but Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies are their only left-footed central defenders.

The argument could be made that Luka Vuskovic can play on the left side too, but Hamburg could sign Vuskovic on loan. If van de Ven gets injured, having to play Davies would not be ideal. As loyal as the Welshman has been to Spurs, he does not possess the qualities of a top Premier League player.

There is also the fact that Frank may sometimes opt to play a back three. This means another defensive signing would be of great importance and the Bundesliga winner is certainly a great option.

Now it is about whether Tottenham are willing to pay his release clause, but also if the player himself is willing to accept the move.

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