Milan Transfer Market: Ruben Amorim Surprises Everyone—An Outgoing Player Becomes a New Asset

Just when Milan thought it had finalized one of its summer departures, Ruben Amorim threw a wrench in the works. It all began with Aston Villa’s request to sign Pervis Estupiñan from the Rossoneri to replace Lucas Digne, who had since moved to PSG: the Portuguese coach decided to block the transfer, postponing any action until he could personally evaluate the player. This about-face irritated the Birmingham club, prompting it to shift its focus decisively to Matteo Ruggeri of Atlético Madrid.

Amorim’s decision says a lot about his approach: no automatic transfers and no green light without a firsthand evaluation. The coach wants to get to know every member of the roster—even those who disappointed last year, either partially or completely—before deciding who will stay and who will leave by 8:00 p.m. on September 1. And so, what seemed like an outgoing transfer suddenly becomes a player who could find a place in the Rossoneri’s new project.

Estupiñan is coming off a season marked by ups and downs: signed from Brighton for 18 million euros, the Ecuadorian didn’t settle in as quickly as expected, and Massimiliano Allegri repeatedly left him on the bench, preferring Davide Bartesaghi. Despite this, the 1998-born player managed to bring great joy to Milan fans with the goal that proved decisive in the March 8, 2026, derby against Inter—in fact, it remains his only official goal in a Milan jersey.

The transfer seemed all but done by early summer, and the opportunity had arisen when Aston Villa made a move. Then, however, came the turnaround: Amorim, whose primary goal is to pick up the pieces after a season that ended with the Champions League spot slipping away at the last minute, doesn’t want to take anything for granted and intends to assess firsthand which players on the current roster can adapt to his style of play better than they did under Allegri. A second chance for Estupiñan, who can now become a new asset.