Chelsea are reportedly considering a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s gifted left-sided defender Piero Hincapié following the serious ACL injury sustained by Levi Colwill. Colwill’s setback, a major blow to Chelsea’s defensive setup, has prompted the club to act swiftly in the transfer market to find a capable replacement who can immediately fit into Enzo Maresca’s system. Hincapié, an Ecuadorian international admired across Europe, is known for his composure in possession, recovery pace, and ability to play both at centre-back and left-back. His adaptability and consistent form under Xabi Alonso make him a strong candidate to fill the gap left by Colwill.
Sources close to the club claim Maresca is particularly enthusiastic about the 22-year-old, viewing his technical ability and tactical awareness as an ideal match for Chelsea’s possession-oriented style. Hincapié’s confidence in building play from the back, along with his aggressive one-on-one defending, would provide the team with an immediate upgrade in both defensive stability and ball progression. His experience in the Champions League is another major advantage as Chelsea prepare for a challenging campaign without one of their most talented young defenders.
Fans have long been vocal about their wish to see Hincapié in Chelsea colours, frequently mentioning him in transfer debates and social media discussions—even before Colwill’s injury. The renewed interest from the club has reignited excitement among supporters, who view him not just as a short-term fix but as a long-term addition capable of growing with the team and becoming a key player for years to come.
However, signing Hincapié will not be easy. Leverkusen are expected to demand a significant fee, given his key role in their recent Bundesliga triumph and strong European performances. Negotiations could be complicated, and Chelsea will likely need to move quickly to fend off interest from other top clubs. With Colwill sidelined for an extended period, the urgency to strengthen the defence means Chelsea are expected to open talks soon and test Leverkusen’s willingness to sell.
For Maresca, securing a player of Hincapié’s calibre could be a pivotal moment early in his reign. Landing such a talent would underline Chelsea’s ambition and determination to stay competitive despite their injury troubles. It would also provide the team with a defender perfectly suited to the manager’s tactical approach and help preserve balance at the back.
As speculation grows, attention now turns to Stamford Bridge to see if Chelsea can finalise the deal. With the transfer window closing in and the season already underway, the next few days could prove decisive. The fans are ready, Maresca is keen, and the club’s need is evident — it’s now up to Chelsea to make the move happen.