Paris FC seals €20m deal for half‑Dutch defender Coppola

On a quiet morning in Paris, club officials confirmed that Diego Coppola will make his move permanent, as Paris FC agrees to pay up to €20 million to Brighton & Hove Albion for the half‑Dutch defender. The announcement came today at 11:57, with Fabrizio Romano among the sources.

Brighton & Hove Albion had loaned the 23‑year‑old Italian defender, who is half Dutch, to Ligue 1 side Paris FC for the past six months. The loan concluded earlier this week, prompting the French club to act.

Several media outlets reported the impending transfer, with Fabrizio Romano first noting a principle agreement between the two clubs. Paris FC is set to pay a fixed €18 million, with performance bonuses potentially raising the total to €20 million.

Coppola’s spell at Brighton was brief; the Seagulls signed him a year ago from Hellas Verona for €11 million but he made only nine appearances in England. His limited game time contrasted with regular starts at Paris FC.

During his loan, Coppola featured regularly for Paris FC, convincing the French side to secure his services permanently. The club’s ambition is reflected in the sizeable investment.

Born and raised in Italy, Coppola has earned two caps for the Azzurri and possesses Dutch heritage through his mother. Despite his Dutch roots, he has never played professionally in the Netherlands.