Man United transfer news: Ruben Amorim misses out on summer target as £16.5m deal is confirmed

Manchester United’s hopes of signing Pervis Estupinan this summer have officially ended as Serie A giants AC Milan have announced the arrival of the left-back from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Ruben Amorim’s side were linked with the 27-year-old in recent months and some reports suggested that the Red Devils had made contact with the player’s representatives.

It is understood that Man United are contemplating bolstering their options in the wing-back department, with January signing Patrick Dorgu currently competing with teenage summer addition Diego Leon and injury-prone Luke Shaw for starts on the left.

However, the 20-time Premier League champions are prioritising the addition of a new centre-forward instead and have subsequently missed out on a deal to sign Estupinan.

The 48-cap Ecuador international admitted earlier this summer that he was open to leaving the Amex Stadium in search of a fresh challenge, but with a move to Man United not materialising, he has agreed to join Milan on a five-year contract until June 2030.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Milan will pay Brighton €17m (£14.8m) plus €2m £1.7m) in add-ons for Estupinan, who will wear the No.2 shirt at San Siro.

Ready to patrol our left flank ??#WelcomeEstupiñan pic.twitter.com/fcyGCcQADO

— AC Milan (@acmilan) July 24, 2025

Milan confirm signing of Estupinan from Brighton

Milan, who finished eighth in Serie A last season and failed to qualify for European competition, identified Estupinan as a leading target following the departure of left-back Theo Hernandez, who joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal earlier this month.

Brighton were open to letting Estupinan leave after signing fellow attack-minded left-back Maxim De Cuyper from Club Brugge for a reported €20m (£17.3m).

Ferdi Kadioglu, Tariq Lamptey, Igor Julio and versatile midfielder Jack Hinshelwood are also capable of operating at left-back for Brighton, who finished eighth in the Premier League last season.

Reacting to Estupinan’s departure, head coach Fabian Hurzeler told Brighton's official website: “I have enjoyed working with Pervis and he has made a significant contribution to the club during his time here.

“He is at the stage of his career when he wants a fresh challenge and this opportunity to play in Serie A gives him that. I’d like to thank Pervis for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future.”

Estupinan leaves Brighton after making a total of 104 appearances for the club across all competitions; he played 34 times in the Premier League last season and was also part of the Seagulls squad which played in the Europa League for the first time in the club’s history in 2023-24.

Written by
Oliver Thomas