Manchester United continue to make headlines in this summer’s transfer window. As the club intensifies its search for reinforcements, the focus remains firmly on securing a centre forward and a game-changing midfielder, two positions seen as vital to Ruben Amorim’s tactical rebuild.
While most of the buzz has been generated from within Old Trafford, a fresh development has surfaced from Brighton involving a familiar name: Pervis Estupiñán. The Ecuadorian left-back, who has previously been on United’s radar, is now reportedly eager to make the move to Manchester.
According to Football Insider, Mick Brown, former head of scouting at Brighton and a figure with strong connections to United, revealed that Estupiñán has formally requested to leave the Seagulls. Brown claims the player’s agent has reached out to multiple clubs to communicate his client’s availability, with United being his preferred destination.
Pervis Estupinan in Brighton’s blue and white, with a subtle Manchester United red shadow, hinting at his desired transfer
Despite Estupiñán’s apparent interest, Manchester United do not currently appear inclined to pursue the deal. Luke Shaw has returned to full fitness, January signing Patrick Dorgu is seen as a long-term prospect, and young talent Harry Amass continues to develop steadily. In fact, recent reports suggest the club are preparing to extend Amass’s contract as a sign of their faith in his potential. With this depth already in place at left-back, the coaching staff have chosen to prioritise reinforcements in other key areas of the squad.
Here is what was said about Estupiñán:
“Estupinan is looking to move away from Brighton. It’s a strange situation at Brighton, they’re praised a lot for their recruitment, but there are players queuing up to want to leave. We’ve spoken about Joao Pedro and O’Riley before, now it’s Estupinan. His agent has been making his availability known to a number of clubs, and from what I hear he wants to join Man United. I think he’s a decent player, but I don’t think it’s going to be a priority for them. Luke Shaw has got back to full fitness and they’re hopeful he can stay fit, they bought Dorgu in January, and they’ve got Harry Amass coming through as well. Their priorities are at centre-forward and in midfield, so I don’t expect them to move for Estupinan. He’s a player they wanted previously, and I’m sure he’s still got admirers, but unfortunately for him they look to have moved on.”
However, it’s worth taking a moment to reassess. Estupiñán brings valuable Premier League experience, offers consistency, and excels in transitions with solid ball control going forward. Should Manchester United overlook that? Perhaps not. While the current squad has depth at left-back, Luke Shaw remains injury-prone, and both Dorgu and Amass are still unproven at the highest level. Signing Estupiñán wouldn’t be a luxury, it would be a calculated, preventive move. If United want to avoid the defensive headaches that have plagued recent seasons, bringing in a reliable option like the Ecuadorian could prove to be a smart and pragmatic decision.
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Moreover, the player’s desire to join should not be underestimated. When a footballer actively pushes for a move, it reflects genuine commitment, a crucial factor for a United side who have fallen from grace. More so, it will also shorten negotiation timelines and simplifies integration. While Ruben Amorim may have other priorities, completely overlooking Estupiñán could prove shortsighted. The transfer market rarely offers second chances for players with proven Premier League experience who still have several good years ahead.
Manchester United are in a position to evaluate the situation without urgency, but that doesn’t mean they should dismiss it outright. If the asking price is fair and the player remains keen, keeping the door open would be a wise move. Estupiñán is not just another name in the rumour mill—he represents a real, attainable opportunity.