Hincapié heads to England

The move brings to an end a fruitful spell for the defender at the BayArena that spanned four years, 166 appearances and saw the club scoop the Bundesliga title, DFB Cup and Franz Beckenbauer Supercup.

"My time at Bayer 04 has given me so much, not just as a footballer," said Hincapié.

"I grew in confidence and maturity in Leverkusen, and here I learned what can be achieved through hard work and identification.

"I will never forget the support of all the staff and fans at Bayer 04, and I wish the club every success for the future."

Hincapié arrived in the Bundesliga from CA Talleres in his native Ecuador in 2021, going on to make 27 league appearances and scoring one goal as they finished third in the 2021/22 season. 

By the time of their double-winning season in 2023/24, he was well established in the Bayer backline, with his versatility and tenacity helping drive the Werkself to their historic double.

"Piero Hincapié is a prime example of our concept of developing young players with outstanding talent into professionals with whom we can achieve our own goals, while at the same time establishing them at the very top of the world at club and national team level," commented Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes.

"We have also successfully followed this path with Piero, who now wants to prove himself in a different environment. In view of an exceptionally good time together in Leverkusen, we wish him all the best for the future, albeit with a heavy heart."

Hincapié's move follows Erik ten Hag's dismissal after just three competitive games as head coach. Striker Victor Boniface has also left the club on a deadline day loan move to Werder Bremen.

Double-winning cornerstones Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah and Lukáš Hrádecký departed on permanent deals earlier in the summer, along with Ten Hag predecessor Xabi Alonso.