Atletico Madrid have just been dealt a huge blow to their transfer planning. Simeone had set his sights on Piero Hincapié , the young Ecuadorian centre-back from Bayer Leverkusen, as the perfect replacement for Mario Hermoso , who recently left the red-and-white club. However, Liverpool, under manager Arne Slot, have shown a firm interest in securing the defender's services, leaving Atletico in a tricky situation.
Piero Hincapié , aged just 22, has attracted the interest of several European giants thanks to his excellent performances in the Bundesliga. The Ecuadorian has been one of the pillars of Xabi Alonso's team, who has made it clear that he does not want to lose his key defender. Despite Leverkusen's efforts to retain him, Liverpool seem determined to snatch one of Simeone's greatest desires from Atletico.
Simeone and the Search for a New Beautiful
The departure of Mario Hermoso has left a significant void in Atlético Madrid's defence. Hermoso had been one of the most consistent pieces in the red-and-white defence, racking up minutes and playing a key role in the three-man defence that Simeone frequently uses. With his departure, Atlético need a left-footed centre-back who can meet the tactical demands of "Cholo".
Simeone had identified Piero Hincapié as the ideal candidate to fill that void. The Ecuadorian not only fits the bill due to his youth and potential, but also due to his ability to adapt to different defensive schemes. His speed, ability to anticipate plays and solidity in duels made him the perfect profile to strengthen Atlético's defence.
However, Arne Slot's Liverpool have burst onto the scene with a proposal that complicates Atlético's options. The English team is looking to strengthen its defence after a season marked by injuries and defensive ups and downs. For Slot, Hincapié represents a safe bet to revitalise his defensive line, and it seems that the English team are willing to do everything possible to close the signing.
Atletico Madrid in Difficulties in the Market
Atletico Madrid are still looking for solutions to cover Hermoso's departure and strengthen a defence that has shown vulnerabilities. But with Liverpool determined to close the signing of Hincapié, Simeone and his team will have to act quickly to find alternatives.
The Argentine coach is aware that defensive strength has been one of the keys to his success at Atlético de Madrid. Now, the red-and-white club find themselves in a race against time to try to prevent Liverpool from snatching away one of the most promising defenders in Europe.