Brighton & Hove Albion have signed left-back Pervis Estupinan from Villarreal for an undisclosed fee.
Estupinan has impressed in 74 appearances for Villarreal despite failing to score as he often played at his preferred left-back position, although he has also been deployed as a wing-back, central midfielder, attacking midfielder and left winger in various games in 2020-21 season.
During his time at Villarreal, Estupinan helped the Yellow Submarines win 2020-21 UEFA Europa League title on penalties against Manchester United, with the team then reaching the semi-finals of last season’s UEFA Champions League where they lost to Liverpool.
The 24 year-old Ecuador international took to Twitter upon announcement of his transfer as he thanked the club for showing belief in signing him, following a reported battle between the Seagulls and Nottingham Forest to secure his services.
Empieza un nuevo reto. ??
Gracias, @OfficialBHAFC por la confianza depositada en mí. ¡Vamos a trabajar y a disfrutar! ???⚪️
A new challenge begins. ??
Thanks, @OfficialBHAFC, for placing your trust in me. We’re going to work hard and have fun! ???⚪ pic.twitter.com/Jb09eIsWta
— Pervis Estupiñan (@PervisEstupinan) August 16, 2022
Estupinan has signed a five-year contract until June 2027 and will replace Marc Cucurella, who moved to Chelsea just before the start of this season.
Brighton Head Coach, Graham Potter is delighted to welcome the 24 year-old left-back as he commented: “We’re excited by what Pervis brings us and he fills a position to which we’ve been looking to add depth.
“In addition to his international experience, he has played for Villareal in the Champions League and Europa League, as well as gaining plenty of experience in La Liga.
“We will help him to settle here in England, but we’re looking forward to working with him and seeing him in action in the Premier League.”
Estupinan began his career with LDU Quito in Ecuador but joined Watford in 2016 where he failed to make a single appearance, having spent 2016-17 season on loan with Granada followed by spells at Almeria, Mallorca and Osasuna during which he scored four goals across the latter clubs.
Watford eventually sold Estupinan to Villarreal in September 2020 for a reported £15m.
Estupinan also plays his international football for Ecuador with three goals in 26 appearances and is set to be part of the team for 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they will play Qatar, Netherlands and Senegal in Group A.
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