Brighton and Hove Albion’s transfer business is edging closer on two fronts this week, while the club’s wider family received a personal update from a popular former defender.
Luka Vuskovic’s club-record move from Tottenham is progressing, Diego Coppola looks set for a permanent exit to Paris FC, and former Seagull Connor Goldson has shared news of a second heart operation. Here is where things stand on Tuesday.
Vuskovic medical edges Brighton closer to a club record
According to Sky Sports, Brighton have had an improved bid accepted by Tottenham for 19-year-old Croatian centre-back Luka Vuskovic, in a deal that would beat the £40m Albion paid Leeds United for Georginio Rutter in 2024. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano described the medical as booked, with the contract signing to follow.
Tottenham are understood to have retained a sell-on percentage as part of the agreement, with Vuskovic set to commit to a long-term contract once the paperwork is completed. Head coach Fabian Hurzeler’s track record with young defenders has been cited as a significant factor in persuading the teenager to choose the Amex over other suitors. Full detail on the fee structure and Brighton’s record-breaking pursuit is covered in our report on the medical being booked.
Coppola closing in on permanent Paris FC exit
Diego Coppola’s spell in Sussex looks to be reaching its end, with Paris FC in advanced talks to make his loan move permanent. Sussex Express reported the two clubs have an agreement in principle worth around €20m, seeing off competition from Lazio for the Italian centre-back.
Coppola spent the second half of last season on loan in France after limited first-team opportunities at Brighton, and that form appears to have convinced Paris FC to make the move permanent. Our earlier coverage has the full breakdown of Brighton’s expected fee for Coppola.
Goldson gives heart surgery update nine years on from Brighton diagnosis
Away from the pitch, former Albion defender Connor Goldson revealed in a personal Instagram statement that he was due to have his second open-heart surgery on Tuesday, nine years after a heart defect was first discovered during a routine screening while he was on Brighton’s books.
The 33-year-old, who joined Cypriot side Apollon Limassol this summer, said he had been told by cardiologists that “football isn’t finished” and that he hopes to return to playing once he has recovered. Goldson made a full recovery from his first operation in 2017 before going on to spend six years playing in Scotland, and messages of support have followed from across the game.
Brighton Women continue their summer rebuild
It has been a busy window on the women’s side of the club too. Switzerland captain Lia Walti’s move from Juventus, for a fee neither club has disclosed, was confirmed earlier this month, and the former Arsenal midfielder is settling into pre-season training as Brighton Women build a squad they hope can push higher up the WSL table this season.
With the transfer window still open on both sides of the club, further movement on Vuskovic and Coppola is expected in the coming days.
