Brighton & Hove Albion have officially announced a significant summer signing, securing highly-rated Italian defender Diego Coppola from Hellas Verona in a deal worth €11 million.
The 21-year-old center-back joins the Seagulls on a long-term contract, committing his future to the club until June 2030.
New manager Fabian Hürzeler wasted no time in expressing his delight over the acquisition, praising Coppola’s attributes: “Diego is an exciting addition for the club. Although he is still young, he is tall, strong and mobile and he will give us a real physical presence.”
Coppola, a product of Hellas Verona’s academy, has quickly made a name for himself, accumulating over 80 first-team appearances in Serie A.
His impressive form recently earned him a call-up to the senior Italian national team, where he made his debut earlier this month.
He is currently representing Italy at the Under-21 European Championship in Slovakia before he links up with his new Brighton teammates for pre-season.
The arrival of the 6ft 4in defender at the Amex Stadium is expected to significantly bolster Brighton’s defensive options.
Hürzeler is clearly looking to strengthen his squad for the upcoming season, and Coppola’s blend of youth, physicality, and experience at a high level makes him a key piece in the manager’s plans to push for European qualification.
