Big money Manchester United target asks to leave Brighton this summer

Pervis Estupiñan has asked to leave the club, with teams like Manchester United lurking for his services.

Albion are expected to look for a reasonable bid, but Estupiñan said to El Canal Del Futbol: 

“The club know that I would like to grow, that I would like to keep growing. The club have understood this. I’ve spoken to the club. The club have given me this bit of freedom to be able to make a decision.”

Pervis’ time on the South Coast

Albion signed Pervis Estupiñan for around £15 million from Villarreal in August 2022. During a time when the Seagulls had just finalised the sale of [at the time] Player of the Season, Marc Cucurella.

Cucurella was on the back of a stellar first season at Brighton, and his impact in gliding up and down the left side was a breath of fresh air for Brighton fans. His departure was always going to be difficult to recover from, but the incoming Ecuadorian made the transition seamless.

His career started interestingly, as his first game was one of those where you try to impress a little too much. A few too many skill-moves later, his stability defensively began to shine through. Despite getting himself caught out, the inner quality was clear to see.

As Estupiñan settled, he turned into a demon under Roberto De Zerbi. Incredibly combining with Kaoru Mitoma, the duo made themselves iconic for goal contributions. Mitoma was new at the time, but his trust in his colleague behind him was evident. Fearless going forward, and Estupiñan’s covering behind was a lethal combination. We all saw how technically gifted the Ecuadorian was on his debut, and with those skills honed in, we started to see a new era beginning.

During this time of 2022/23, it wasn’t unpopular to suggest Estupiñan was the best left-back in the Premier League. Luke Shaw was highly regarded ahead of him, and his main competitor for the crown. The irony as Manchester United have been linked to secure Pervis Estupiñan’s next big move.

Estupiñan suffered from injuries a lot. Whilst it was impossible to judge whether his injuries were exclusively his issue, as the rest of the squad largely struggled with the same problems. Irrespective, it was heavily noticeable when he was missing from the squad, and Kaoru Mitoma had the same problem.

Pervis and Kaoru [image via Twitter/X]

Mitoma was being heavily doubted as he had ‘fallen off’. Teams were doubling and tripling up on him. The lack of both Estupiñan and Solly March was notable. Teams no longer had to focus on both sides of the pitch, and the balance on the left side had evaporated. March and Mitoma caused havoc across the Premier League at this time, and De Zerbismo was fully underway. Estupiñan had one of the most important roles in the squad, his inverting into midfield whilst travelling between both defence and attack was signature of the style of play.

The best bits? His rocket at home against Tottenham in 2023/24, a cup scorcher against Stoke and a perfect freekick against Manchester City this season will forever live long in the memory of the good old days.

Estupiñan should be remembered for the incredible work rate and dedication he set to being a Brighton player. Travelling across the length of the globe before playing 120 minutes and two 90s should truly never be forgotten, as he still gives everything on the pitch.

Kaoru x Pervis may go down as one of my favourite duos for Brighton, closely followed by Bruno and Anthony Knockaert. The resemblance was a joy to behold at the finest of times.

What happens now?

With the Ecaudorian’s recent statements, it seems like the writing is on the wall for his next future.

Whilst it is important to remember his impact over the years, Estupiñan has struggled somewhat this season. For all his praises, some questionable moments seem to take over his style. When he plays a good game, his last-ditch defending, transitional play and inverting intelligence are very impressive. However, when he doesn’t, it can be a tough watch.

Usually, his biggest issue on bad days is decision-making. Noticeably getting caught 60 yards upfield when Brighton had their infamous 4 on 1 to beat Wolves before getting caught out on the counter in the dying embers of the game. Estupiñan has had moments like this semi-regularly, particularly since Fabian Hürzeler has come in. It is no longer about possession and doing what he was so good at.

We’ve seen strange moments like deciding to shoot from 30 yards and hitting the corner flag against Liverpool was just one of many random things you could expect to see happen. An element of clumsiness, perhaps.

Pervis Estupinan celebrates his free-kick [image via Twitter/X]

Manchester United would be a good destination for our left-back. If allowed to play a game plan to match his characteristics, and with enough cover insurance behind him for mad moments, he is still a brilliant footballer. Combining with exciting wingers like Bryan Mbeumo and others, United’s movements could be exciting to watch if Ruben Amorim manages to imitate his Sporting successes.

Perhaps the right time is to move on, but suffering more changes to a squad in desperate need of stability could well force another ‘transition’ season before our eyes.