Chelsea identify Colwill replacement

August 12, 2025 07:48 GMT (UK), by Ketan Patel

Bayer Leverkusen are ready to sell Piero Hincapie to Chelsea, who are seeking a replacement for Levi Colwill, who has just undergone surgery for a serious injury sustained during pre-season. The Ecuador centre-back is very highly rated in Germany and has been with his current club since 2021, playing 115 times in the German top flight, scoring five goals.

Piero Hincapie is a quick, left-footed central defender who’s comfortable playing out from the back, making him ideal for Chelsea’s possession-based build-up. His agility, anticipation, and ability to cover wide spaces suit both a back three and back four, offering tactical flexibility. He also brings long-term value and the potential to develop into a defensive leader.

His preferred position is on the left side of central defence, and at just 23-years-old he still has time on his side to grow into a world class centre-back.

Chelsea have spent large sums of money this summer transfer window, but have also started to sell some players and Enzo Maresca has now informed Todd Boehly that the club must sign a new defender to replace Colwill.

For many at Leverkusen, Hincapie may have been the club’s best defender during their surprise Bundesliga win two seasons ago. It is understood Chelsea will need to pay more than 50 million euros to sign the Ecuadorian international.