​Italy international defender Diego Coppola is poised to complete a permanent transfer to Paris FC from Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported fee of €18 million, with potential add-ons of up to €2 million, despite earlier interest from Lazio. Coppola, who has been linked with a return to Serie A, appeared settled after a six-month loan spell in France.
Official confirmation: Diego Coppola is joining Paris FC from Brighton & Hove Albion, as announced via his Instagram (@Diegocoppolass). Multiple outlets, including Sportitalia and renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, now indicate that all parties have reached an agreement to acquire the 22-year-old defender on a permanent basis. The deal is expected to be around €18 million, with the possibility of up to €2 million in performance-related bonuses.
This move represents a substantial profit for Brighton & Hove Albion, who initially invested €11 million to acquire Coppola from Hellas Verona in the summer of 2025. Although his playing time with the Seagulls has been limited—making just nine appearances across all competitions—Coppola still managed to contribute two assists from defense, underscoring his potential impact.
Since the loan transfer to Paris FC in January 2026, Coppola has made a strong impression in Ligue 1, featuring in 14 matches for the Paris club. The 22-year-old center-back has already earned two senior caps for Italy, both in June 2025, highlighting his growing reputation on the international stage.
At Paris FC, Coppola has quickly become a key component of the club’s defensive setup, bringing versatility and composure to the back line. His move aligns with Paris FC’s ambition to strengthen a young, dynamic squad capable of competing at higher levels, while also offering Coppola a platform to showcase his talents more consistently on a domestic and international stage.
Lazio’s late interest underscores the attention Coppola has drawn from top clubs in Italy, yet the move to Paris FC appears to have progressed smoothly, with all parties prepared to finalize the transfer. The deal’s structure—an upfront fee in the region of €18 million plus potential add-ons—reflects Coppola’s rising stock and the value Paris FC places on a defender who has demonstrated maturity beyond his years during his time in France.
As Coppola embarks on the next chapter of his career, all eyes will be on how he adapts to Paris FC’s tactical system and Ligue 1’s competitive environment. If the transfer is completed as anticipated, Coppola will join a growing cadre of Italian players making an impact abroad, further highlighting the ongoing trend of young Italian talents seeking development opportunities outside Italy’s domestic leagues.