Paris FC secure permanent deal for Brighton defender
Paris FC have reached an agreement to sign Diego Coppola on a permanent basis from Brighton and Hove Albion. The deal is understood to be worth €20 million including performance-related bonuses.
The 22-year-old Italian centre-back spent the second half of last season on loan at the Stade Jean Bouin, having joined the French side in January. During his temporary spell, he made 14 appearances under successive managers Stéphane Gilli and Antoine Kombouaré.
Although Coppola had initially appeared set to return to Brighton this summer, his desire to remain in the French capital prompted a change of plans. The agreement will see him commit his future to Paris FC for the next five years rather than resume his career on the south coast of England.
The transfer represents a significant statement of intent as the club builds its squad for the upcoming campaign. It also marks an early success for newly appointed head coach Liam Rosenior, who recently arrived from Chelsea to replace Kombouaré following his short but successful tenure.
Rosenior’s appointment carries additional significance given his historic ties to Brighton, which may have helped facilitate negotiations between the two clubs. The former Chelsea manager takes charge with immediate backing in the transfer market, as demonstrated by the substantial outlay to secure Coppola.
By converting the loan into a permanent arrangement, Paris FC have removed uncertainty over their defensive options and secured a player who already has experience of the club’s environment. The move allows Rosenior to plan with a settled backline as he implements his methods at the Stade Jean Bouin.