Chelsea are weighing up a late-window move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie following a serious injury to Levi Colwill. The Ecuadorian centre-back, who has a £52 million release clause, has emerged as a potential target as Enzo Maresca scrambles to reinforce his defensive options ahead of the new campaign.
Colwill’s suspected ACL injury could sideline him for the entire season, leaving a major void in Chelsea’s backline. While Josh Acheampong impressed against Crystal Palace and Trevoh Chalobah remains a solid squad option, Maresca faces concerns over the fitness records of Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile. Tosin Adarabioyo is also currently sidelined, with no clear return date.
Chelsea turn attention to Piero Hincapie
With options thinning, Chelsea’s recruitment team is working on solutions. A reported €50 million bid for Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni has already been turned down. Now, attention has turned to Hincapie, who remains under contract at Bayer Leverkusen. Although the German club are reluctant to lose another key figure this summer, they would be powerless to stop his departure should Chelsea activate the buyout clause.
Hincapie, 23, has long been regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in European football. He brings international experience, composure on the ball, and positional discipline; qualities that would complement Maresca’s tactical setup. His age also means he fits Chelsea’s long-term strategy while providing immediate cover for the club’s depleted centre-back corps.
With the transfer deadline approaching, Chelsea must now decide whether to trigger the release clause or risk going into the season with an injury-hit backline. Hincapie remains a viable solution, but time is short if the Blues want to complete the deal.
