Coppola arrived at Falmer stadium from boyhood club Hellas Verona in June 2025, initially for a reported €11m fee, but managed just nine appearances for the Seagulls before being sent out on loan in January. In those five Premier League outings, spanning 201 minutes, he kept one clean sheet and completed close to 89% of his passes, showing he could handle the physical demands of English football even if game time proved hard to come by.
The 22-year-old Italian centre-back made an immediate impact in Paris, prompting the French side to make his stay permanent this summer in a deal reported to be worth in the region of €18m, with Lazio also said to have shown interest before the move was finalised. He made 13 Ligue 1 starts during his loan spell, recording 106 clearances and maintaining passing accuracy above 86%.
On the Italian's exit, sporting director Mike Cave said: "Diego made a good impact with Paris during his loan there last season and it was a transfer both he and Paris FC were keen to pursue.
"With growing competition for places, this moved suits all parties and allows Diego to make the next step in his career. We wish him all the best."
Coppola, who came through the Verona academy and made 81 appearances for the Serie A club before his move to England, has signed a five-year contract with Paris FC that ties him to the club until 2031. He becomes a senior Italy international after breaking into the national set-up following his switch to the Premier League.
The transfer brings a swift end to Coppola's time at Brighton, where growing competition for places in defence limited his opportunities in the top flight, but represents a healthy return on the Seagulls' original outlay from Verona. For Paris FC, it locks in a player they already know well after his loan spell, adding further defensive quality as the club looks to build on a season that included a home win over Paris Saint-Germain and cemented their status as an established Ligue 1 side.