Brighton Close in on Hellas Verona’s Diego Coppola in Near-Sealed Transfer Dea
Brighton & Hove Albion are on the verge of securing a major coup in the transfer market, with reports indicating that a deal for Hellas Verona’s promising centre-back Diego Coppola is nearly finalized. The 21-year-old Italian defender, who made his senior Italy debut in a World Cup qualifier against Norway on June 6, 2025, has emerged as one of Serie A’s brightest defensive talents, attracting attention from multiple clubs across Europe. Brighton, however, have taken pole position to sign the 6ft 4in star, with negotiations reportedly in their final stages.
Coppola’s standout performances for Hellas Verona during the 2024-25 season, where he made 34 appearances and scored twice, were instrumental in helping the club secure a 14th-place finish in Serie A, comfortably clear of relegation. His no-nonsense defending, coupled with impressive metrics—ranking in the 88th percentile for tackles (2.09 per 90) and 98th percentile for aerial duels won (3.94 per 90)—has made him a prime target for Premier League sides. Brighton’s reported offer of €11-12m, including a percentage of any future sale, has edged them ahead of rivals like Aston Villa, Brentford, and Serie A giants Juventus and AC Milan.
The Seagulls, under manager Fabian Hürzeler, are building a robust defensive unit, with Coppola set to complement their recent acquisition of Olivier Boscagli. His aggressive yet composed style aligns with Brighton’s tactical setup, offering long-term potential at the Amex Stadium. Verona, with Coppola’s contract running until 2027, are poised to maximize their profit on the academy graduate, potentially commanding a fee closer to €15m due to his recent international exposure.
As the transfer window heats up, Brighton’s proactive approach signals their ambition to bolster their squad with young, high-potential talent like Coppola, setting the stage for an exciting 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
