Where Paris FC stand on Diego Coppola as transfer deadline nears

Paris FC remain in the market for defensive reinforcements as the final days of the January window tick away — and Diego Coppola is still very much on their radar.

The Ligue 1 newcomers are searching for a short-term solution at centre-back after being hit by injury problems, with Coppola understood to be one of several profiles under active consideration.

Paris FC’s need is clear. Central defender Samir Chergui was sidelined while away at AFCON, forcing the club to reassess priorities late in the window. That defensive issue has now taken precedence after Paris FC abandoned attempts to strengthen in attack, having failed in a loan move for Neal Maupay from Marseille. Maupay is instead expected to join Sevilla.

Coppola, who joined Brighton last summer after impressing in a heavily stretched Hellas Verona back line, fits the brief. The 22-year-old is keen for more regular minutes after finding opportunities limited on the south coast, and Paris FC see him as a viable — if expensive — option.

Paris FC are not putting all their eggs in one basket. Alongside Coppola, the club have also made contact with Olympiacos defender Giulian Biancone and Estoril’s Kevin Boma, with the latter viewed as another physically strong, adaptable option.

That makes Coppola one of three names being assessed, rather than a guaranteed move — especially given the short-term nature of Paris FC’s need, with Chergui expected back by the end of next month.

Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler has not ruled out a late loan exit for Coppola but stressed that the club see a long-term future for the Italian defender.

“We really enjoy working with him here. We have seen a great development,” Hürzeler said on Friday.
“There’s a World Cup upcoming, and I’m quite sure he will be a big player in the future.
“But we have to analyse each individual situation — what is best for the club and what is best for the player.”

Coppola was an unused substitute in Brighton’s 2-1 defeat at Fulham on Saturday, with Lewis Dunk, Jan Paul van Hecke and Olivier Boscagli all starting ahead of him. He was, however, involved in post-match running, underlining that he remains fully in the first-team picture.

Paris FC must decide whether to push for Coppola or move on to alternative targets as deadline day approaches. Brighton, meanwhile, will balance squad depth against Coppola’s development needs.

Should Coppola push for a loan move to secure minutes — or stay patient at Brighton? Let us know.