Brighton and Hove Albion: Fabian Hurzeler responds to Pervis Estupinan links away

Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hürzeler has responded forcefully to growing speculation surrounding the future of star left-back Pervis Estupiñán, amid intensifying reports linking the Ecuadorian international with summer moves to Barcelona, Juventus, and clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

The 27-year-old, who has become a cornerstone of Brighton’s backline since his arrival from Villarreal in 2022, is attracting widespread interest following a mixed but resilient 2024–25 campaign. With the transfer window in full swing and agents making their moves behind the scenes, Estupiñán’s name has surged to the top of the rumor mill — prompting Hürzeler to address the speculation directly.

In a press conference held Monday morning during Brighton’s pre-season training camp in Lagos, Portugal, Hürzeler made his stance crystal clear: “Pervis is an important part of our project. He is not for sale unless a very serious offer arrives — and right now, there is nothing on the table.”

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The Links: Barcelona, Juventus, and Saudi Cash on the Table?

Over the past week, multiple sources in Spain and Italy — including Mundo Deportivo, Tuttosport, and Sky Italia — have suggested that Estupiñán has emerged as a priority target for both Barcelona and Juventus as they look to bolster their defensive depth.

Barcelona, still reeling from the long-term injury to Alejandro Balde, are said to be exploring a low-cost solution with La Liga experience. Estupiñán, who spent time at Osasuna, Mallorca, and Villarreal, fits their profile: experienced, attack-minded, and tactically adaptable.

Juventus, meanwhile, are in the midst of a backline overhaul under new manager Thiago Motta. With Alex Sandro departing and Filip Kostić being shifted to a more advanced role, the left-back position is a weak spot. Estupiñán, with his work rate and Serie A suitability, is being monitored closely.

Adding further complexity are reports that several Saudi Pro League clubs — including Al-Ahli and Al-Shabab — have floated lucrative offers to both Brighton and Estupiñán’s representatives. One unnamed Saudi side has reportedly dangled a package worth up to £12 million per year in wages, while offering Brighton a transfer fee in the region of £35 million.

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Hürzeler Speaks: ‘We’re Building Around Him’

However, Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler has wasted no time shooting down suggestions of an imminent departure. The German head coach, appointed in May following the exit of Roberto De Zerbi, praised Estupiñán’s leadership, consistency, and importance in the dressing room.

“We’ve had a lot of interest in our players — that’s natural, given how well this club has performed in recent years,” Hürzeler said. “But I’ve spoken with Pervis. He’s happy here. He knows his role. He’s a leader in this group. Unless something changes dramatically, he will be part of our plans this season.”

When asked directly about Saudi interest, Hürzeler remained calm but firm.

“We are not a club that sells just for money. We’re building something sustainable. And we don’t see Pervis as someone we need to replace.”

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Player’s Camp: ‘Focused on Brighton, But Listening to Offers’

Sources close to Estupiñán indicate that the Ecuadorian defender is content on the south coast but is not blind to the attention he’s receiving. His agent, Diego Herrera, speaking to Ecuadorian media outlet El Universo, said:

“Pervis is under contract, and he respects Brighton deeply. But of course, when clubs like Barcelona and Juventus ask questions, you listen. We are in a process of evaluating options, but nothing has been decided. Right now, Pervis is fully focused on pre-season.”

This approach is in line with the player’s demeanor. Known for his humility and professionalism, Estupiñán has always prioritized footballing development over financial gains — though a move to a global giant or a cash-rich Saudi club would be tempting.

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Estupiñán’s Brighton Legacy So Far

Since joining Brighton from Villarreal in 2022 for a modest £15 million fee, Estupiñán has become one of the most influential full-backs in the Premier League. A mainstay under Roberto De Zerbi, he played a key role in the Seagulls’ historic sixth-place finish in 2022–23, contributing three goals and six assists in league play.

In 2023–24, injuries disrupted his rhythm, but he still made 28 appearances across all competitions and finished with the club’s third-highest number of chances created from open play.

In 2024–25, Estupiñán regained form, combining defensive solidity with dynamic runs forward, and showing versatility by filling in as a wing-back and even as a wide midfielder in emergencies. His leadership qualities have grown, particularly with several younger players — including Jack Hinshelwood and Facundo Buonanotte — crediting him for guidance on and off the pitch.

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Brighton’s Transfer Stance and Depth at Left-Back

Brighton’s recruitment model is well-known for selling stars at peak value — Marc Cucurella, Alexis Mac Allister, Moisés Caicedo, and Leandro Trossard are recent examples — but only when suitable replacements are lined up.

As of now, the Seagulls lack a like-for-like backup to Estupiñán. Polish youngster Kacper Kozłowski has been trialed in a wide defensive role in training, and 18-year-old Scottish left-back Jamie Mullins is promising but not yet first-team ready.

That explains the caution from Brighton’s leadership. Sources say Technical Director David Weir and CEO Paul Barber are not actively shopping Estupiñán, but have set an internal valuation of around £45 million — a figure unlikely to be met unless Barcelona, Juventus, or Saudi bidders grow desperate.

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What Estupiñán Offers: A Modern Full-Back in Demand

Estupiñán is the epitome of the modern full-back. His blend of stamina, aggression, and intelligent positioning allows him to function both as an overlapping force and a defensive anchor.

Key attributes:

• Crossing Accuracy: Among the Premier League’s best in 2023–24, with a 27% success rate.
• Tackles Won: Averaging 2.1 per 90 minutes.
• Key Passes: 1.4 per 90 — remarkable for a defender.
• Recovery Runs: Top 10% in distance covered among full-backs last season.

These metrics make him an attractive proposition for elite clubs looking to upgrade without overspending.

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The Financial Angle: Can Brighton Resist a Big Offer?

Though Brighton are not in a position of financial hardship — especially after major sales in the last two windows — a bid exceeding £40 million would test the club’s resolve.

With Estupiñán’s contract running until June 2027, Brighton have leverage. However, a significant offer paired with player desire could trigger the classic Brighton cycle: sell high, buy smart, and reload.

Former Brighton executive and now pundit Dan Ashworth recently commented, “Brighton will never be a club that clings to players. But they sell on their own terms. If Estupiñán goes, it’ll be because the club has planned his succession for months.”

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What Happens Next: Two-Week Deadline Looms

The next fortnight will be crucial. Brighton reportedly want clarity on Estupiñán’s future before the club’s pre-season tour in the U.S., where they will face LA Galaxy, Inter Miami, and Club América. Hürzeler is keen to finalize his squad before the August 17 Premier League opener against Wolves.

Barcelona are expected to submit a formal bid after selling fringe players, while Juventus are pushing through intermediaries. Saudi interest remains aggressive, with one club rumored to be preparing a last-ditch £40 million package.

But as of now, the player remains in Brighton colors — and his manager is determined to keep it that way.

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Conclusion: A Test of Resolve at the Amex

As the 2025–26 season approaches, Brighton once again find themselves walking the tightrope between ambition and sustainability. Estupiñán is not just a player — he is a symbol of the club’s evolution: recruited smartly, developed brilliantly, and now coveted by Europe’s elite.

Fabian Hürzeler’s firm response signals Brighton’s belief that they are no longer just a selling club — they are building something more substantial.

Whether Estupiñán stays or departs, the next few weeks will shape the club’s left flank — and quite possibly its season.