Amorim criticised for blocking Estupiñán's summer move to Villa

Aston Villa were reportedly close to securing the signature of Pervis Estupiñán before the summer transfer window closed on 1 September, according to Sport Witness. The outlet states that an agreement between the two clubs appeared near completion, but Milan head coach Ruben Amorim intervened to keep the Ecuadorian left-back at San Siro.

Amorim is said to have wanted to evaluate Estupiñán during pre-season rather than sanction a departure to Villa Park. Since the window shut, the defender has started four Serie A matches, though Sport Witness notes his performances have drawn criticism, including being substituted at half-time against Lazio.

Chris Iwelumo, speaking to Italian publication MilanNews, questioned why the Portuguese manager prevented the switch to the West Midlands. Iwelumo argued that man-management is crucial to getting the best out of players and suggested the relationship between coach and full-back barely exists.

Iwelumo went further, claiming Amorim had 'treated the player badly' by halting the transfer. He urged the Milan boss to conduct proper research on a player's character before making such decisions and insisted the club now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust with someone they may not have wanted to retain.

Villa did strengthen on the left flank during the window, completing the signing of Matteo Ruggeri from Atlético Madrid on 19 August. With the market now closed until January 2027, any renewed interest in Estupiñán would have to wait until the new year.