Liverpool have two key areas of focus in the transfer window as the summer enters its final two weeks.

The Reds have added plenty to their squad for the new campaign, but still look short in attacking and defensive areas.

The attack will hopefully be bolstered by the arrival of Alexander Isak, although with the days ticking down no progress appears to have been made on the potential record signing from Newcastle.

In the meantime, Liverpool have made an addition at centre-back, with Giovanni Leoni joining from Parma.

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Leoni will ease the defensive worries for Arne Slot, but with big question marks over Joe Gomez’s fitness, the Liverpool squad could do with one more new face.

The Reds have been in discussions about a deal for Marc Guehi, but have so far been unable to agree a fee with Crystal Palace.

And with negotiations over Guehi struggling to advance, an update has arrived on the future of Piero Hincapie.

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Liverpool have been linked with Hincapie plenty of times over the past 18 months.

The Ecuadorian appeared ready to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

In fact, prior to the market opening, there were claims that Liverpool were positioning themselves to buy Hincapie for £42m once they were able to do so.

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Ultimately, that never happened.

And according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, it now will not.

Taking to X to post an update on Hincapie early on Monday morning, Romano claimed that Leverkusen have ‘no intention’ to sell the 23-year-old in the next two weeks.

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“Despite Premier League clubs’ appreciation, Bayer Leverkusen see Piero Hincapie as key part of the project,” said the transfer expert.

“No intention to sell the Ecuadorian defender this summer, seen as crucial player by Erik ten Hag.”

At one stage, Hincapie had looked almost destined to join Liverpool this summer.

But, for whatever reason, the Reds have not followed up their interest in him.

Nevertheless, that does not mean the chance to sign him has completely ended.

Liverpool’s centre-back situation is a fluid one which will change plenty of times over the next couple of years.

Gomez and Virgil van Dijk are out of contract in 2027, while there remains a chance that Ibrahima Konate leaves in 2026.

As a result, even if they sign Guehi to go alongside Leoni, Liverpool are going to need one or two more signings in the near future.

He won’t be joining this summer, but Hincapie could still be one of those when the time comes.


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