Chelsea are considering Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie as a “potential alternative” to Josko Gvardiol, according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.
The Ecuadorian impressed playing for his country at the World Cup and Sheth claims he is also likely to be available for a much lower price:
Chelsea looking at Bayer Leverkusen central defender Piero Hincapie as potential alternative to RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol. Hincapie played all of Ecuador’s group games at the World Cup. Contract runs until 2026. Told deal for 20 year-old could be done at €30m. #CFC
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) December 17, 2022
There has been a mixed reaction from fans on Twitter to the Blues’ interest in Hincapie. A few believe he will be a good addition to the squad but many feel he doesn’t possess the quality required to play for a Premier League team:
Watched him a lot this season and he’s not better than Levi Colwill, I’m not even kidding…
— CFC_barhooo🇩🇪🇹🇷 (@barhooo97) December 17, 2022
30m isn’t bad for him tbf
— 𝙘𝙖𝙡 (@clinicalfofana) December 17, 2022
Mid player stop being cheap unless gvardiol doesn’t wanna join
— . (@stopp_waffling) December 17, 2022
He’s a baller
— You’re a wizard Graham (@Pottersblueboys) December 17, 2022
Noo I want Gvardiol
— Sammi-CFC 💙 (@Sammipartingto1) December 17, 2022
Just give colwill more playing time
— Benjamin Ameh joseph (@realAmeh) December 17, 2022
Should be Gvardiol or nothing. He’s too good
— Ugo Dan (@UgoDan3) December 17, 2022
Don’t mind him as a player but he’s not Chelsea level just get Gvardiol
— Champions of the World 🏆 (@CFC_SC) December 17, 2022
While there are similarities between Gvardiol and Hincapie, both for example are 20 and play in the Bundesliga, it doesn’t mean they can be compared in terms of ability.
Gvardiol has demonstrated at the World Cup that he is up there with the very best in the world. In contrast, Hincapie has been part of a Leverkusen defence that has conceded 38 times in all competitions already this season.
