Report:Milan line up Brighton defender as Allegri eyes rebuild | OneFootball

Report: Milan Eye Estupiñán to Fill Left-Back Void Post-Theo Exit

Ecuador’s footballing rise continues to impress, with an increasingly talented generation now spreading across Europe’s top leagues. Moisés Caicedo’s assertive presence at Chelsea is well documented, but at the back, talents like Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapié are shaping a formidable spine for the national team. Into this evolving narrative steps Pervis Estupiñán, a full-back of rare energy and experience, now reportedly targeted by Milan as they begin life without Theo Hernández.

As reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, Estupiñán is attracting strong interest from the Rossoneri, with Max Allegri eager to plug a critical gap in his new-look side. The Brighton defender is no stranger to top-level competition and carries with him the traits that once made Hernández a standout in Serie A: pace, power and instinctive attacking movement.

Already capped 48 times for Ecuador, Estupiñán plays under national team coach Andrés Beccacece and is widely regarded as a key figure in the side’s current evolution. His international experience, paired with his versatility and drive, makes him a standout option for Milan.

Journey across Europe after Serie A hopes faded

Born in Esmeraldas in 1998, Estupiñán’s football journey started in Quito thanks to family connections — notably his uncle, Jorge Guagua, a defender for LDU Quito. By 17, he had already clocked 45 senior appearances for the Ecuadorian giants, earning praise for his maturity and work rate.

That early promise caught the attention of Udinese, who snapped him up only for the move to be short-lived. After just three days in Italy, he was loaned to Granada B before being transferred to Watford. Years of loans followed, but a defining period came at Osasuna in 2019. There, he found consistency, managing 39 appearances, one goal and seven assists in La Liga.

His form in Pamplona led to a call-up to Ecuador’s senior side and earned him a €16 million transfer to Villarreal, where he flourished under Unai Emery. The Europa League triumph over Manchester United in 2021 featured a standout Estupiñán performance, cementing his status on the continental stage.

Transformation under De Zerbi’s Brighton

Brighton brought Estupiñán to the Premier League, where he initially operated under Graham Potter before flourishing under Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian tactician, now at Marseille, did not hold back in his praise:“He is one of the most important players for us because he started as a left-back, but you can find him in attack as well. He is very intelligent. I think he is one of our secrets. He can become one of the best left-backs in the world.”

Those words reflect the significant tactical evolution in Estupiñán’s game. At Brighton, he not only developed defensively but became a vital attacking outlet. In 104 matches, he has recorded five goals and 14 assists, numbers that highlight his direct impact in the final third.

Leadership has also become a key part of his persona, influencing both the dressing room and the team’s on-pitch cohesion.

Photo: IMAGO

Estupiñán’s profile fits Milan’s new ambition

Estupiñán’s nickname, “La Bala” or “the Bullet”, stems from his electrifying pace and drive. His attacking intent is complemented by aerial strength and defensive grit, attributes that Milan will be keen to harness in a tactical system that often requires wide players to be both creators and destroyers.

His ability to play as a traditional full-back or as a wing-back in a back-three system offers Allegri valuable flexibility. With Igli Tare believed to be leading negotiations and Jorge Mendes acting as an intermediary, Milan are hopeful that a deal can be struck. The player himself reportedly sees Serie A as unfinished business after his brief spell with Udinese nearly a decade ago.

As Milan enter a new era, Estupiñán appears poised to bring dynamism and authority to a flank long ruled by Theo Hernández. While bridging that legacy will be no small feat, the Ecuadorian looks ready to take the leap.

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From a Brighton fan’s perspective, the potential departure of Pervis Estupiñán would be a significant emotional and tactical loss. He has not only been one of the most consistent performers since arriving at the Amex but also a symbol of how far the club has progressed in terms of scouting and development. De Zerbi’s trust in him, as reflected in his comments, elevated Estupiñán from a La Liga talent to a Premier League standout.

His offensive qualities were especially important in Brighton’s fluid attacking system, where overlapping runs and smart delivery often broke down stubborn defences. With 14 assists from left-back, his end product matched that of many midfielders and wingers. Defensively, while not flawless, his aggression and positioning improved season by season.

If he does move to Milan, it would feel like another smart business decision by the club but one tinged with disappointment for fans. Finding a replacement of equal impact will not be easy, and the timing, with De Zerbi no longer at the helm, might unsettle a side already going through transition.

Estupiñán leaving would be understood, but his presence will be sorely missed on the South Coast.