Tottenham Hotspur could make a late move for Piero Hincapie if the opportunity arises…
What’s the word?
That’s according to reliable football.london journalist Alasdair Gold, who has provided an update on the Lilywhites’ state of play heading into the final few hours of the January transfer window.
He claims that the north London outfit are interested in the Bayer Leverkusen star, 21, and will be hoping to secure him in 2023. If they land him this month, then a ‘pricey loan-back agreement’ may be made, though they will come back in for him in the summer if not.
Other reports recently suggested that Spurs had submitted a €25m (£22m) offer for him, though the Bundesliga side are thought to be demanding a much larger fee of around £80m.
Gold added that Pedro Porro looks set to finally complete his move to N17, with his medical booked in for today.
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Shades of Bentancur swoop
It’s no secret that Antonio Conte’s side have suffered from regular defensive problems this season, having shipped 31 goals across 21 league outings, with numerous backline blunders costing them against the likes of Aston Villa, Arsenal and Manchester City since the turn of the year.
Lilywhites chief Fabio Paratici could take steps to fix the problem by making a late move for Hincapie, in what would be similar to his dealings this time last year, when he secured a move for Rodrigo Bentancur, adding quality to a threadbare engine room.
Whilst a fairly uninspiring signing at the time, the Uruguayan machine has become an instant hit with the fanbase around N17.
The Ecuadorian “prodigy” – as described by journalist Jose de Jesus Ortiz – is only 21 and is prone to mistakes himself but under the stewardship of Conte, could blossom into a future star.
Likened to Cristian Romero in terms of statistical profile and playing style, Hincapie is a typical, modern-day central defender. One that excels on the ball, having completed 0.58 dribbles per 90 over the last year, something that ranks him inside the top 4% of his positional peers across Europe, via FBref.
Whilst he’s also aggressive in the tackle – 2.15 per 90 – and has great defensive awareness – 1.50 blocks per 90 – with both returns ranking him inside the top 14% and 16%, respectively.
It’s why the 21-year-old has also been described as a “complete and dominant” centre-back by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also dubbed him a “tenacious tackler.”
If Spurs are only going to try again in the summer, then it would make sense to secure a deal for him now, even if he’s loaned back for the remainder of the campaign.
In doing so, Paratici could well land another deadline day masterstroke by luring Hincapie to north London along with the seemingly imminent signing of Porro.
AND in other news, Paratici could sign Kulusevski 2.0 in late Spurs move for “frightening” £26m “monster”…
