Real Madrid coach in a gray uniform in the foreground and a player in a white team jersey in the background, over which a large red X covers the Emirates Fly Better sponsor logo.
Xabi with crossed-out player | Camara Didac Aguirre
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Bad news for Xabi Alonso: Chelsea signs his favorite, goodbye for €40M

The star Xabi Alonso was looking to sign this transfer window has been snatched away by Chelsea

by

Didac Aguirre

After Dean Huijsen's signing, Real Madrid's defense clearly took a huge leap in quality. However, despite the Spaniard's great performance, Xabi Alonso had his sights set on signing another young center-back. Unfortunately, as we know at Defensa Central, Chelsea is close to signing Piero Hincapié.

With an offer of €40 million, the London squad is close to securing the services of the Ecuadorian. Following Levi Colwill's recent serious injury, Chelsea saw Hincapié as the ideal replacement. As part of Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi knows Hincapié's qualities perfectly.

Although the relationship with the center-back is very positive, Chelsea's negotiations are very advanced. Additionally, in order to sign Hincapié, Real Madrid will have to sell a player first. This is a situation that, after weeks since the start of the transfer window, seems unlikely to happen.

Chelsea's interference

At 23 years old, Piero Hincapié is one of the best players Bayer Leverkusen has. Coming from CA Talleres in Argentina, Hincapié arrived at the German club during the summer of 2021. Despite his clear inexperience at that time in European soccer, Hincapié managed to adapt quickly thanks to Xabi Alonso.

Bayer Leverkusen player in red and black uniform in action during a match
Hincapie | Didac Aguirre

The Spanish coach was essential in the development and consolidation of the Ecuadorian center-back. Just last season, Hincapié played a total of 4,143 min. (3,788 min.). This is clear proof of the importance he has in Leverkusen's defense.

With a value of €50 million according to Transfermarkt, Xabi kept Hincapié's signing on his list. Being young and with a great future ahead, the center-back would fit perfectly at Real Madrid.  However, Chelsea is the small big problem in this possible deal.

One less center-back for Xabi

With Hincapié's signing being difficult to complete, Xabi won't have more reinforcements for the defense. Even so, the coach has more than talented center-backs to face the upcoming season.  In addition to Huijsen, Xabi has Rüdiger, Militao, and Raúl Asencio.

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