Celtic transfer target Piero Hincapie shines for Ecuador as wonderkid puts in ‘outstanding’ performance versus Brazil
CELTIC target Piero Hincapie put in an "outstanding" performance for Ecuador versus Brazil last night, as interest in the starlet continues to develop.
The 19-year-old wonderkid was a standout for his country as he shone against the likes of Neymar, Vinicius Jr. Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison.
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The Hoops are eying an ambitious swoop for the £3.5million rated starlet.
SunSport understands Celtic's search for new central defenders has taken them to the Copa America for a look.
Hincapie, who plays his club football in Argentina’s top flight with Talleres de Cordoba, has started all four of Ecuador’s games in the finals in Brazil this month.
He has shone against Colombia, Venezuela and Peru, previously despite his side not managing any wins in the group stages.
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And now, the starlet has shown his skills against the Brazilian's, showing he really is the real deal.
It's believed Hincapie is in advanced talks with a Serie A side ahead of a summer switch to European football - and it's easy to see why.
He was commanding in the 1-1 draw with Brazil in his side's final match at Copa America, as he played the full 90-minutes.
Hailed as the future of Ecuadorian football, the defender won three aerial duels, as he showed his heading ability.
He also completed five out of six duels with the ball on the deck.
He made two interceptions, made four successful clearances, won two tackles and made 30 passes with an 83 percent completion rate.
Making his first team debut for his country, during the group stages in general, Hincapie was first for the number of successful passes into the final third out of everyone playing in the competition.
He also was first in the number of forward passes played, with the centre half making 82.
And his skills with the ball are further highlighted by coming in at first for completed dribbles, notching up six.
All of this has led to the defender earning high praise from fans around the globe.
One wrote on social media: "This kid is not just another talent. He's outstanding."
Another said: "A colossal defender aged just 19, what a future Hincapie has."
Another added: "Man I find it incredible to think that Piero Hincapié is 19 years old, plays very well and is Ecuadorian."
A fourth said: "No wonder the guy has up to NINE clubs tracking him for a move, what a player he's going to turn in to."
Another wrote: "Marquinhos saw something in Piero Hincapié tongith, a centre-back "recommending" another centre-back."
And a sixth said: "This kid loves a tackle, nobody is getting away from him."
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Hincapie has also been scouted by Newcastle United, Atletico Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich and AC Milan.
His father has confirmed that clubs across Europe have made offers for his son… but he's desperate for the Ecuador defender to sign for Real Madrid.
He said: "There has been interest for him and I know there have been offers too from clubs in Europe.
"But for now, the offers haven't been big enough for the board of his club, Talleres de Cordoba, to consider.
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"Now I know there are other big clubs in Europe who have appeared, who are very interested in my son.
"Hopefully, one of them might be Real Madrid because that's the club he has always dreamed of playing for.
"My boy is excited about the stories linking him with clubs in Europe. It's natural. But I tell him to concentrate on playing football and entrust the rest to God.
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"After the Copa America, I expect something to happen with him."
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