Pervis Estupiñan will complete a move to AC Milan, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Estupinan had a mixed season under Fabian Hürzeler last season, largely being questioned defensively and ‘funny’ moments, we could call them.
Personally, I like to look back on Estupiñan’s time at the club as very positive, and one of the key members of the team that achieved our first ever European campaign.
Where it all started
Despite a very shaky start to his Albion tenure after the departure of player of the season Marc Cucurella, it seemed like there were very large boots to fill.
Estupiñan tried hard, maybe a little too hard to begin with. The attempted tricks and flicks didn’t pay off in the beginning, but it was quickly moved on from.
Estupinan’s first moment came against Chelsea. Graham Potter’s Amex return in 2022 was bitter, and the Ecuadorian was electric on the left side, and responsible for a key third goal before half time!
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 12: Pervis Estupinan of Brighton & Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Leicester City FC at Amex Stadium on April 12, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
The dancing feet and consistency inverting into space and covering both midfield and central defence were key components of his time under Roberto De Zerbi. At certain points, he was associated with being one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, only behind Luke Shaw at Manchester United!
De Zerbi created a machine of a modern left-back whilst revolutionising the Premier League’s style of play. Praised by top managers like Pep Guardiola and, most recently, Wolves’ Vitor Pereira, full-backs became one of De Zerbi’s most significant pieces on the board, from being one of the least fashionable.
An iconic duo formed with Kaoru Mitoma contributed towards some of the club’s most memorable goals that fond minds shall look back on for generations to come. The time when Albion did it for the first time ever, courtesy of a world-class combination on the left flank.
Isn’t it crazy how quickly football changes…
Back to now…
It’s hard to say Pervis Estupiñan is ‘finished’. At 27-years-old, you could argue he is entering the prime of his career. A move to Milan is a welcome restart, especially with the recent Serie A success for Premier League movements.
From a club perspective, the fee feels low. A bargain for Milan. For the second time this window, it feels like another key player from recent times has left the club for a figure below their value. The former, of course, being João Pedro to Chelsea.
The additions of Maxim De Cuyper and the relatively unseen Ferdi Kadıoğlu are both capable of filling the gap; however, they remain unproven at this stage to offer enough accurate analysis.
De Cuyper enjoyed his Albion debut earlier today against Las Palmas in a 2-0 friendly win.
With Brazillian left-sided defender Igor set for a move as well, and both Olivier Boscagli and De Cuyper having tactical question marks defensively, the left side could be a vulnerable one to watch for 2025/26.
It has to be said, Estupiñan didn’t have his best season last season. The iconic block against Bournemouth at home in 2022/23 feels like a distant memory compared to the defensive capabilities on display from our Ecuadorian full-back last season.
Additionally, Estupiñan wanted to leave this summer. The style adaptation wasn’t the right fit for him, and a move could certainly be best for the player, who was believed to have handed in a transfer request this summer.
Despite the bad, some beautiful moments that the Albion faithful with truly never forget, including a worldie free-kick against Manchester City to help earn Albion’s first ever point at the Etihad, and rockets against Tottenham and Stoke City.
Thank you for everything Pervis. I’ll be keeping a keen eye on the red and black side of the San Siro.
