Manchester United to Face More Transfer Disappointment?!

Milan Open Talks With Brighton Over Pervis Estupinan Deal Despite Red Devils Interest

It’s shaping up to be another frustrating summer for Manchester United in the transfer market. Just days after missing out on Vanja Milinkovic-Savic to Napoli, the Red Devils are facing more disappointment—this time from Italy once again. AC Milan have officially begun talks with Brighton & Hove Albion over a potential summer swoop for Ecuador international Pervis Estupinan, a player United had earmarked to bolster their options at left-back.

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to trusted transfer journalist Matteo Moretto, AC Milan have initiated contact with Brighton to assess the conditions of a deal for Estupinan. The Rossoneri are moving quickly after offloading star left-back Theo Hernandez to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in a reported €25 million (£23m/$30m) transfer. With Hernandez gone, Milan are prioritising a replacement—and Estupinan is firmly in their sights.

Talks are still in the early stages, with no formal offer submitted just yet. However, Milan’s proactive approach could prove decisive, especially with Manchester United’s transfer team still evaluating options across the board.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

theo-hernandez

For Manchester United, this situation feels painfully familiar. The club had reportedly held discussions with Estupinan’s representatives and saw the Ecuadorian as a viable alternative to Luke Shaw, who has struggled with fitness in recent seasons. But while United appear to be treading cautiously, Milan are wasting no time.

Estupinan has been a standout performer at Brighton since arriving from Villarreal in 2022. Known for his aggressive overlapping runs, pace, and incisive crossing, he has notched 11 assists in 84 Premier League appearances—a highly respectable return for a defender. At 26 years old, he offers the perfect blend of experience and upside.

With Milan flush from the Hernandez sale and looking to reinforce their backline under new head coach Paulo Fonseca, Estupinan fits the bill both tactically and stylistically. Meanwhile, Brighton’s recent signing of Belgian left-back Maxim De Cuyper is further fueling speculation that the Seagulls are preparing for life after Pervis.

DID YOU KNOW?

Estupinan’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of impressive. After failing to break through at Watford, he found his stride at Villarreal, helping the club to a Europa League title in 2021. His performances in Spain caught the eye of Brighton, who brought him to the Premier League in a €17 million deal.

Since then, the Ecuadorian has proven to be a shrewd investment. He played a crucial role in Brighton’s historic qualification for European football under Roberto De Zerbi and became a fan favorite at the Amex for his relentless energy and attacking flair.

What makes him particularly appealing to Milan is his adaptability—Estupinan is equally comfortable in a back four or as a wing-back in a 3-5-2, giving Fonseca tactical flexibility in his debut season.

UNITED’S CHALLENGE

Brighton & Hove Albion FC v Liverpool FC – Premier League

For United, this potential setback highlights a recurring issue in recent transfer windows: an inability to act decisively. While the club’s new ownership structure—led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS—is still settling in, the Red Devils cannot afford to drag their feet with key positions still needing reinforcement.

Left-back is one such position. Luke Shaw has shown quality when fit, but fitness has been a major concern. Tyrell Malacia, the backup option, spent all of last season on the sidelines due to injury. Estupinan was seen as a high-upside, Premier League-proven option who could compete immediately and raise the team’s technical level.

But Milan’s approach could change everything. Should they table an official bid in the coming days, United will either need to match the urgency or risk losing out on another target.

THE MILAN ADVANTAGE

One of the key factors working in Milan’s favor is their direct engagement with Brighton. While United have reportedly spoken to Estupinan’s camp, Milan are talking to the club directly—a crucial difference in how deals are often closed. Additionally, the player may be enticed by the prospect of becoming a starter at one of Italy’s most storied clubs, especially with Champions League football on the horizon.

Estupinan is also no stranger to the continental game, having featured in both the Champions League and Europa League with Villarreal. His European experience, combined with his Premier League pedigree, makes him an ideal target for a Milan side looking to reassert domestic and European dominance.

FINANCIAL TERMS

Estupinan has a contract with Brighton until 2026, and while there is no official release clause, reports suggest a fee in the region of €30 million (£25m/$33m) could be enough to convince Brighton to sell. That number is well within Milan’s reach following the Hernandez deal and their strong financial standing after recent player sales.

For Manchester United, whose summer budget is reportedly constrained by Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the club might be prioritising other areas—namely central midfield and center-forward.

WHAT NEXT FOR ESTUPINAN?

All eyes are now on the coming days. If Milan ramp up talks and table a formal offer, Brighton will have a decision to make. Do they cash in on a high-performing asset at the peak of his value, or do they hold firm and wait for a bidding war?

From Estupinan’s point of view, a move to Milan offers the chance to play a leading role at a top European club and continue his upward trajectory. At 26, he’s entering his prime, and a move now could define the next chapter of his career.

CONCLUSION

Manchester United may be facing another case of “what could have been” in the transfer market. With AC Milan actively pursuing Pervis Estupinan and Brighton potentially open to a deal, the Red Devils must decide whether to escalate their pursuit or pivot to alternative targets.

Either way, the clock is ticking—and if recent history is anything to go by, Milan look set to win this particular race.

Stay tuned for updates as the story unfolds.