Overview
- Mikel Arteta confirmed he consulted Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, Hincapie’s former coach at Bayer Leverkusen, before completing the loan.
- Arteta reported Hincapie has recovered from a groin issue, returned to training, and could be available for the trip to Fulham.
- The Ecuador international joined on a season-long loan with an option to buy reported at about £45 million next summer.
- Arteta highlighted Hincapie’s aggression, determination, and versatility at left center-back or full-back, calling him very clean on the ball.
- Hincapie has played just one minute since signing, but his addition is framed as bolstering left-sided depth after Jakub Kiwior’s exit for a defense already performing at an elite level.