Liverpool could turn to a familiar face to help solve their search for left-sided centre-back this summer.
the Reds are targeting a player in this position as Klopp looks to add depth to a defensive unit that is starting to become a cause for concern
In Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool have one long-term option in this part of the pitch - but that is where the list ends.
Liverpool's first two Premier League fixtures versus Chelsea and Bournemouth offered a clear reminder of just what could go wrong for Klopp's side this season, beaten far too easily on occasions by balls in behind
Several names have been suggested as possible options over the summer, with the likes of Levi Colwill and Micky van de Ven strongly linked
Another individual who is reportedly being eyed by the Reds is Bayer Leverkusen's Piero Hincapie
Born in Ecuador, the youngster began his senior career at Independiente del Valle and rose through the ranks alongside a certain Moises Caicedo.
The pair helped win the 2020 U20 Copa Libertadores, earning Hincapie a move to Argentina a matter of months later
Hincapie's time in Argentina lasted only one season, however, before Bayer Leverkusen came calling for his services in August 2021.
Capable of operating at centre-back, left-back or left-wing-back, the Ecuadorian has proven to be a versatile asset during his first two seasons at the club
His progress to date rewarded in the form of a new contract earlier this year.
Describing why this decision was taken by the club, Leverkusen's managing director
Simon Rofles said:
"Piero’s signing 18 months ago was an investment in the future, 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."
Such praise has also been echoed by the current Leverkusen manager, a figure Liverpool are rather familiar with. Xabi Alonso
The quality of Hincapie is certainly not lost on Alonso, who delivered a glowing assessment of the centre-back back in March.
Xabi Alonso
“I think he’s a very modern defender,"
"He can play in different positions. He’s served us as a full-back in recent games, but has also been the left centre-back when we’ve played with a back three. He’s aggressive, is making better decisions when he has the ball, backs himself more to play diagonal passes and get in behind. It motivates me to have a player with his potential and desire because he helps you and you help him. He's a great player
Liverpool may have missed out on one 21-year-old from Ecuador during the summer transfer window, though the opportunity remains for them to avoid missing out on another future star.
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