Arsenal have officially announced the permanent transfer of Ecuador international defender Piero Hincapie from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen. The deal, which sees Hincapie's loan move made permanent, was confirmed by the Gunners in a statement on their official website on Thursday. The agreed fee stands at £45 million, a figure that was set when he initially joined on loan last summer.
Hincapie's Impact at Arsenal
Hincapie, 24, spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen and played a crucial role in the club's Premier League-winning campaign. According to the club's statement, 'Piero spent last season on loan from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen and was an integral part of our Premier League-winning campaign.' He made 39 appearances across all competitions, becoming a key member of a defensive unit that has conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League over the last three seasons.
His debut for Arsenal came in a 2-0 Champions League victory away to Athletic Club in September 2025. Hincapie scored his first and only goal for the club in a draw away to Wolves in February 2026. That same month, he won Arsenal's Player of the Month award, an accolade he would also receive in April.
Career Journey
Hincapie began his professional career in his native Ecuador with Independiente del Valle, progressing through their youth system. He won the U20 Copa Libertadores in 2020 before moving to Argentine side Talleres in August of that year, where he made 22 appearances in his debut season. In August 2021, he signed for Bayer Leverkusen, making 166 appearances over four seasons. Notably, he helped Leverkusen win their first Bundesliga title in the 2023-24 campaign, finishing the domestic season unbeaten.
On the international stage, Hincapie has captained Ecuador at under-17 level and has earned 54 senior caps for his country. He has represented Ecuador at four major tournaments, including the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026.
Club Statement
The club's statement concluded: 'Everyone at the club is delighted to welcome Piero back with us. The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.'
