Coppola loan exit considered as defender seeks minutes amid limited Premier League action

A possible Coppola Brighton loan exit in January is being discussed in Italy, with the young centre-back struggling for playing time under Fabian Hürzeler. Signed from Hellas Verona for £9 million in the summer, the 21-year-old was seen as a major coup after interest from multiple Serie A giants, but he has managed just 17 Premier League minutes so far this season. With Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke firmly established as Brighton’s starting pairing, opportunities have been limited — prompting talk that he could temporarily depart to protect his development and national-team prospects.

Italian outlets SportMediaset and Tuttomercatoweb both report that Serie A clubs are monitoring the situation and would be ready to move if Brighton open the door to a loan in January. Coppola is understood to be calm but eager to play more, especially after making two senior appearances for Italy before moving to England.

SportMediaset suggest a loan exit is “on the table”, due to Coppola’s limited involvement in the league. Tuttomercatoweb echo this and name several Italian sides considering an approach should Brighton give the green light.

The belief in Italy is that Coppola is viewed as a “reliable back-up” at the Amex — valued, but unlikely to start ahead of Dunk or van Hecke. His profile remains highly rated: physically strong, tactically disciplined, and comfortable progressing the ball. But for a player already capped at international level, playing sporadically is far from ideal.

Coppola’s situation is unusual in that he is not an unproven youth prospect. Last season at Verona, he was a regular starter and one of Serie A’s standout young defenders. His reliability, leadership and composure were key reasons Brighton invested early, expecting a long-term project rather than immediate minutes.

But with Hürzeler prioritising stability in central defence, breaking into the lineup has been a major challenge.

Having tracked Brighton’s recruitment model closely, this situation fits a familiar pattern: develop, assess, loan, and return stronger. In our view, a loan exit makes strategic sense if no meaningful path into the Premier League XI appears in the next month.

Although some fans might prefer him to stay as depth, it’s worth asking whether a centre-back can genuinely grow without consistent match rhythm. At 21, Coppola needs real minutes — not short cameos or Carabao Cup appearances.

Italian clubs know Coppola well and view him as a plug-and-play option. His tactical discipline suits Serie A systems, and his experience at Verona shows he can stabilise a defence in pressure environments. If Brighton allow it, a Serie A return is highly plausible.

Brighton will reassess Coppola’s role ahead of the January window. Later on today they'll play against West Ham United and Leeds United up next on December 14, Hürzeler is expected to continue with his established centre-back pairing — further fuelling speculation that a loan could soon become the best option.

👉 Brighton fans — is a loan the right move, or should Coppola stay and fight for his place?