Pervis Estupiñán is expected to make Milan forget about Theo Hernández. AC Milan has signed the Ecuadorian left-back from Brighton & Hove Albion.
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AC Milan has made a significant move in the summer transfer window by signing Ecuadorian international Pervis Estupiñán from Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported fee of around €20 million, including bonuses.
This acquisition comes in response to the departure of French left-back Theo Hernández, who recently joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in a €25 million deal. Hernández had been a cornerstone of Milan’s backline since 2019, widely regarded as one of the best full-backs in Europe during his time in Serie A. His exit marks the end of an era at San Siro, and Milan is placing its trust in Estupiñán to carry the torch on the left flank.
Estupiñán, 27, brings with him a wealth of experience across multiple European leagues and a career marked by steady progression and resilience. After beginning his professional career at LDU Quito in Ecuador, he made the leap to Europe in 2016, signing with Premier League side Watford. However, he never played a competitive match for the Hornets, instead being loaned out repeatedly to Spanish clubs including Granada, Almería, Mallorca, Osasuna, and eventually Villarreal.
It was during his time with Osasuna in the 2019–20 season that Estupiñán truly began to shine. He played 36 league matches that season, impressing with his pace, stamina, and attacking intent. Villarreal took note and made his move permanent, and it was with the Yellow Submarine that he gained continental recognition, helping the team win the UEFA Europa League in 2021 under Unai Emery. His performances attracted attention from abroad, and in 2022, Brighton secured his services for €17.8 million, making him a key part of Roberto De Zerbi’s setup in the Premier League.
Over two seasons in England, Estupiñán proved himself to be a reliable and dynamic left-back. He made 30 Premier League appearances last season for Brighton, contributing not only defensively but also in transition and build-up play. Known for his lung-busting runs, work ethic, and positional awareness, he quickly became a fan favorite at the Amex Stadium. Despite some injury setbacks, his overall consistency and adaptability stood out in a Brighton side that often played progressive, high-pressing football a style that Milan believes can translate well into Serie A.
Milan’s decision to move quickly for Estupiñán reflects their commitment to building a competitive and rejuvenated squad for the 2025–26 season. Club management led by technical director Geoffrey Moncada and CEO Giorgio Furlani believes that Estupiñán’s profile matches the tactical demands of manager Stefano Pioli, especially in a system where full-backs are expected to contribute heavily both in attack and defense. His arrival ensures that Milan will not be left exposed following the sale of Hernández, who had not only been a key defensive piece but also one of the most productive full-backs in Europe in terms of goals and assists.
But Estupiñán is just one piece of the puzzle. Milan's summer rebuild is far from complete. The Rossoneri are actively searching for a new striker to compete with or potentially partner Santiago Giménez, the promising Mexican forward who joined the club earlier this summer. One of the names most frequently linked to Milan is Serbian international Dušan Vlahović. The 24-year-old Juventus striker has reportedly become surplus to requirements in Turin following a change in tactical direction under the new management. Vlahović, who previously starred for Fiorentina, could be a blockbuster signing, though his high wages and Juventus’ asking price are major obstacles.
In midfield, Milan is also exploring multiple options. With depth concerns and the need for more physicality and creativity in the middle of the park, the club is considering players like Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana, Nice’s Khephren Thuram, and even a surprise return for Franck Kessié, who left Milan for Barcelona in 2022 before moving to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia. The midfield will be especially critical as Milan prepares to compete not only in Serie A but also in the UEFA Champions League, where squad depth and versatility are essential.
The broader strategy from Milan this summer reflects a deliberate shift toward players in their mid-to-late twenties athletes who are already experienced at the highest level but still have room to grow. Estupiñán fits this mold perfectly. His international experience with Ecuador, including appearances in the Copa América and World Cup qualifiers, adds another layer of maturity to a team looking to blend youth with experience.
For Estupiñán himself, the move to Milan represents a major step forward in his career. He joins one of Europe’s most storied clubs a team with a rich history, a passionate fanbase, and clear ambitions to return to the top of Italian and European football. In his first statement as a Milan player, he expressed his excitement and pride at joining the Rossoneri, noting that he grew up watching Milan’s legendary defenders and now hopes to leave his own mark at San Siro.
Fans will be eager to see how quickly he adapts to Serie A, a league known for its tactical complexity and defensive organization. However, given his prior experience in Spain and England, and his exposure to different footballing cultures, expectations are high that he can hit the ground running. With preseason already underway, Estupiñán is expected to immediately compete for the starting spot and integrate into Pioli’s tactical plans.
Milan’s summer may still hold a few surprises, but with the signing of Pervis Estupiñán, they’ve taken a bold and calculated step to ensure stability and ambition remain key pillars of their project.
