One of the main urgencies for Atlético de Madrid next season is to improve the defense, where everything points to several moves in the summer market. It is expected that several players will finish their respective contracts and leave the squad, needing reliable replacements. It will be especially important to find a defender for the left profile, one of the objectives that was already pursued last year.
One of the names that has long been linked to Atlético de Madrid is Piero Hincapié, one of Xabi Alonso's pillars at Bayer Leverkusen. He left a good impression during his visit to the Metropolitano in the Champions League, a match in which he also scored the first goal of the duel. However, it won't be a cheap or easy operation, as the current Bundesliga champion has already set an asking price.
Piero Hincapié's Exorbitant Price
Obviously, there are other teams beyond the rojiblanco that have been following the Ecuadorian international for some time, who is only 23 years old. He has played more than 30 matches this season and remains an important player in a team that will compete for all titles again. Although his market value is 40 million euros, Bayer Leverkusen would be asking for 70 million to let him leave in the summer.
This information has been revealed due to the interest of Tottenham, one of the clubs that has also been trying to sign the defender for some time. Clearly it's a very high amount for a center-back and would be far from Atlético de Madrid's intentions to strengthen the squad. Still, at the Metropolitano, they will be in the race for Piero Hincapié, especially with the aim of trying to lower that figure considerably.
Significant Departures in Defense
For now, up to four players could leave a vacant spot in the defensive area for the next season, although negotiations are underway. Axel Witsel and César Azpilicueta are two of the most veteran players, and both will finish their contracts in June, likely to leave. Reinildo has a similar situation, although he has an automatic renewal option if he plays 45 minutes in 20 matches.
The future of Clement Lenglet will be very different, as he will have to return to Barça once his current loan ends, although both parties wish to reach an agreement. Simeone would be delighted to keep the Frenchman permanently, as he has delivered a great performance when there have been absences in defense. Obviously, he wouldn't be the only addition to the left profile, but he would be a signing that would provide immediate performance to the squad.