Replacing Theo, AC Milan is signing the Brighton left-back for a total of €19 million, with a market value of €30 million at 27 years old.

The purchasing power of Serie A is currently far less than that of the Premier League, making transfers highly cost-effective. According to the latest report from Italian transfer expert Romano, AC Milan is set to acquire the 27-year-old Ecuadorian left-back Estupiñán from Brighton for a total of €19 million, including a fixed fee of €17 million plus €2 million in variables.

Romano states that Brighton's owner, Tony Bloom, has approved the transfer of Estupiñán to AC Milan, and both clubs have reached a verbal agreement, currently progressing through the formal steps to complete the transaction. Milan will sign Estupiñán to a long-term contract, replacing Theo, who is leaving this summer, and becoming the primary left-back for the Rossoneri in the new season.

Estupiñán joined Brighton in the summer transfer window of 2022 for a fee of €17.8 million from Villarreal, having played 104 matches and scored 5 goals with 14 assists during his three-year tenure with the Seagulls.

The 27-year-old Estupiñán stands at 1.75 meters tall, is a left-footed player primarily playing as a left-back, and has a contract with Brighton until 2027, with a market value estimated at €30 million. Last season, Estupiñán made 36 appearances for Brighton in all competitions, starting 30 of those matches and totaling 2,847 minutes on the field, contributing 1 goal and 1 assist.

Brighton rarely sells players below their market value; for this transaction, it may only be said that Estupiñán is strong in attack but weak in defense, making him less suitable for the fast-paced Premier League! Considering Estupiñán is replacing Theo, it makes sense—targeted signings often involve players who are strong in attack but weak in defense.