Brighton Nears €11 Million Deal for Italy Defender Coppola from Verona

Brighton & Hove Albion are close to securing a permanent transfer for 21-year-old Verona central defender Diego Coppola, with the deal reportedly valued at €11-12 million plus add-ons and a sell-on clause. Coppola, a product of Verona's youth academy, made 34 appearances and scored two goals in the 2024-25 Serie A season, helping his club avoid relegation, and has totaled 81 Serie A appearances with four goals. The defender made his debut for the Italian national team in a 3-0 loss against Norway, where he took some responsibility for the defeat. Brighton's interest in Coppola intensified following his international debut, positioning them ahead of competing clubs like Juventus, Aston Villa, and Atalanta in the race for his signature. Juventus had targeted Coppola as a defensive reinforcement but now may look to alternative Italian players after missing out. Coppola is expected to complete the transfer to the Premier League side within days, giving him an opportunity to prove his worth at a higher competitive level next season.