With Xabi Alonso set to take over the Real Madrid job, transfer rumors are already heating up — and one name that’s gaining serious traction is Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié. According to European media, the player has expressed interest in following his former coach to Madrid after building a strong bond during their time at Bayer Leverkusen, where both were key to a historic season.

Hincapié played a major role in Leverkusen’s domestic treble — winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Supercup. Thanks to his versatility — he can slot in as a center-back or left-back — and his consistency as a starter, he became one of Alonso’s go-to guys. In the 2024–25 season, the defender from Esmeraldas played 44 official matches, scored 3 goals, provided 2 assists, and racked up over 3,000 minutes on the pitch — a clear sign of how important he was to the team.

Madrid's Interest and the Price Tag

Even though Hincapié is under contract with Leverkusen until 2029, the German club might be open to letting him go for around $45 million. His release clause sits at about €68 million, but Spanish outlets suggest Leverkusen would be willing to negotiate for a good deal. For Real Madrid, he’s a more affordable target compared to other options like Ibrahima Konaté or Dean Huijsen.

At Valdebebas, reinforcing the defense is a top priority after a season plagued by injuries and defensive struggles. A young, versatile player with international experience like Hincapié fits the bill for the new Madrid project — especially if he’s handpicked by the incoming manager. Still, Florentino Pérez’s careful spending approach means a deal would have to make financial sense.

Meanwhile, Hincapié added fuel to the rumors with a cryptic social media post that many saw as a farewell: “Proud of the journey so far... now it’s time to lift my head and keep going.” There’s no official confirmation yet, but signs are pointing away from Germany and toward the Spanish capital — where Xabi Alonso is already shaping his squad for the upcoming Club World Cup.