Arsenal has officially announced the signing of 23-year-old Ecuadorian left-footed center-back Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen. He will wear the No. 5 jersey for Arsenal.
Arsenal will pay a €6 million loan fee for him, and the contract also includes a €43 million buyout option (with easily triggered clauses to convert it into an obligation to buy), plus €3 million in variable bonuses and a 10% sell-on clause.
Announcement:
Ecuador international Piero Hincapie has joined us from Bayer Leverkusen on a season-long loan.
The 23-year-old defender has made more than 100 appearances for Leverkusen since joining in 2021, playing a key role in their Bundesliga title victory in 2023/24.
Spending his early career in Ecuador, Piero developed through the youth system at Independiente del Valle, where he made his senior debut aged 17. During his time playing club football in his homeland, Piero captained Ecuador at under-17 level and also won the U20 Copa Libertadores in 2020.
The versatile defender moved to Argentina in 2020, where he made a huge impression during his season with Primera Division side Talleres, before signing for Leverkusen.
At international level, Piero has made 46 appearances for Ecuador, being a member of his country’s squad for the 2022 World Cup and Copa America tournaments in 2021 and 2024.
Sporting Director Andrea Berta said: "We are delighted to have completed the loan signing for the season of Piero Hincapie.
“At only 23, Piero already has significant experience, both in the Bundesliga and at international level. He is an intelligent defender with real strength and versatility. His performances in recent years for both club and country have been of a consistent high quality, and we are confident Piero will continue to grow this season and be an important player for us.”
Mikel Arteta added: "We are so pleased to welcome Piero Hincapie to the club.
“Piero has a real physical presence, with his versatility and tactical flexibility giving us strong added defensive options. He is a big character, with a very good combination of both youth and maturity. He will make our squad stronger and more competitive as we continue into this season.
“We welcome Piero and his family to Arsenal.”
Piero will wear the number 5 shirt and will join up with his new teammates after returning from international duty with Ecuador.
Everyone at Arsenal welcomes Piero to the club.
The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
