Manchester United could spring a shock move for Brighton star Pervis Estupinan in the coming summer transfer window, according to journalist Ben Jacobs - with the Red Devils keen on adding to their left-back ranks despite only signing Patrick Dorgu in the January transfer window.
The Red Devils suffered their worst campaign in half a century, finishing in a lowly 15th in the Premier League before losing in the Europa League final vs Tottenham Hotspur, marking no European football for just the first time in 11 years. That will inevitably make it tougher to sign top players, but it won't rule out certain stars who won't be playing continental football next season.
Jacobs: Estupinan 'On Man Utd's Shortlist' Ahead of Surprise Move
The Brighton star could see a shock move to Old Trafford this summer
Pervis Estupinan
The likes of Matheus Cunha looks set to sign, with United reportedly activating his £62.5million release clause at Wolverhampton Wanderers - whilst Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo and Estupinan's Brighton teammate Yankuba Minteh have also been linked with the club after the Seagulls failed to get into the European spaces themselves on the final day of the season.
Pervis Estupinan's Premier League statistics - Brighton squad ranking
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A common theme is occurring, in which United are seemingly targeting players who will be swayed by their stature without European football - and the 'phenomenal' Estupinan falls into that category, with Jacobs stating via The United Stand's YouTube channel that although he was 'surprised' by Estupinan's name being mentioned for a move to Old Trafford, it could well be that Ruben Amorim fancies him due to a lack of physicality and pace in his squad. Jacobs said:
"I'll give you a little bit of an exclusive, which is a new name - and that's Pervis Estupinan.
"I've heard Manchester United made an enquiry and it surprised me, because when you talks about wing-backs or full-backs, Manchester United are well covered on that left side.
"I know there'll always be a bit of a question mark over Luke Shaw's fitness, but remember that Diego Leon is a left-sided wing-back coming into the side too. Naturally, Dorgu was bought and he's seen more as an Amorim player - because what Amorim is looking for in his full-backs and his wingers is those that a comfortable out wide, with pace, speed of thought and speed of feet to cover other positions.
"Ultimately, Amorim's perspective of this Manchester United squad is its not fast enough, and it's not physical enough. So, Estupinan was a name that was given to me.
"I'm not aware they've made any kind of approach to Brighton at this point. I was quite surprised by it, because personally and only in my opinion, I don't see the left-back as a massive priority for Manchester United."
Estupinan joined Brighton in 2022 after excelling at Villarreal, and has largely locked down the left-back spot himself with 81 Premier League appearances in the past three seasons, helping the club to the Europa League in his first campaign at the club.
That top-flight experience coupled with almost 50 caps for Ecuador at the age of 27 means that he could well be an astute addition at Old Trafford if other players are sold.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 01-06-25.
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