Serie A giants AC Milan have completed the signing of Ecuadorian left-back Pervis Estupiñán from Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported €19 million, including add-ons. The 27-year-old defender, who has signed a five-year contract until June 2030, becomes the first Ecuadorian player in the club’s storied history, marking a new chapter for the Rossoneri as they bolster their squad ahead of the 2025-26 season.
The transfer comes as a direct response to the departure of Theo Hernandez, who moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal earlier this summer. Milan, under the guidance of sporting director Igli Tare and manager Massimiliano Allegri, identified Estupiñán as their primary target to fill the void left by the dynamic French full-back. After negotiations with Brighton progressed swiftly in recent weeks, the deal was sealed following a verbal agreement, with Brighton owner Tony Bloom giving the green light to the transfer.
Estupiñán’s journey to the San Siro has been one of steady progression. Born in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, the versatile defender began his career with LDU Quito before making his mark in Europe with spells at Granada, Almería, Mallorca, and Osasuna. His standout performances came at Villarreal, where he won the Europa League in 2021, and later at Brighton, where he made 104 appearances and scored five goals since joining in 2022. Despite a challenging ankle injury in 2024 that ruled him out of the Copa América, Estupiñán’s resilience and work rate have made him a sought-after talent, with Manchester United also reportedly in the race for his signature before Milan’s decisive move.
The transfer saga saw Milan initially table an offer of €14 million plus bonuses, which was rebuffed by Brighton, who valued their first-choice left-back closer to €30 million. However, with super-agent Jorge Mendes mediating, the two clubs found common ground at €17 million plus €2 million in add-ons. Estupiñán’s desire to join Milan and test himself in Serie A played a pivotal role in pushing the deal over the line. “I’m thrilled to join a club with such a rich history,” Estupiñán said in his first interview as a Rossoneri player. “Playing at the San Siro is a dream come true, and I’m ready to give everything for these colours.”
Milan’s pursuit of Estupiñán was not without competition. The club had explored other options, including Real Madrid’s Fran Garcia and Almería’s Marc Pubill, but Tare and Allegri saw the Ecuadorian as the ideal fit for their system. His ability to contribute both defensively and in attack, with his overlapping runs and tireless energy, aligns perfectly with Allegri’s tactical vision. “Pervis brings experience and versatility,” Allegri noted. “He’s proven himself in the Premier League, one of the toughest competitions, and we believe he can make an immediate impact here.”
Brighton’s decision to part ways with Estupiñán was influenced by their proactive recruitment, with Maxim De Cuyper arriving from Club Brugge for €20 million earlier this summer. The Belgian international’s arrival provided Brighton with the depth to allow Estupiñán’s departure, ensuring they were not caught short at left-back. Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler praised the outgoing defender, saying, “Pervis has been a fantastic professional. He’s given us everything, and we wish him the best in this exciting new challenge.”
Estupiñán’s arrival marks Milan’s fourth signing of the summer, following the acquisitions of Luka Modric, Samuele Ricci, and Pietro Terracciano. With the Rossoneri set to face Liverpool in a friendly in Hong Kong on July 26, Estupiñán is expected to join his new teammates immediately after completing medical examinations. Fans will be eager to see how the Ecuadorian adapts to Serie A, with hopes that he can emulate the attacking flair of his predecessor while adding his own unique stamp to Milan’s backline.