Birkirkara FC have officially confirmed the return of Alessandro Coppola, announcing the signing of the towering defender on a long-term contract running until the end of the 2028/29 season, in what represents a major defensive reinforcement as the club looks to reset its campaign under new head coach Gianluca Festa.
Coppola, who needs little introduction to the Maltese game, returns to the club after a spell abroad, having shown what Birkirkara described as “great determination” to make his way back to Birkirkara despite being under contract elsewhere. His arrival adds not only physical presence at the back, but also leadership and technical assurance qualities that he consistently displayed during his previous spell with the Stripes.
The Italian defender had firmly established himself as one of the most reliable centre-backs to wear the Birkirkara shirt in recent seasons, regularly captaining the side and emerging as a leader both on and off the pitch. His return comes at a crucial time, with Birkirkara aiming to stabilise a defence that has struggled for consistency during the opening phase of the YoHealth Malta Premier League season.
However, the confirmation of Coppola’s return also brings renewed attention to the timeline surrounding the move. Malta Sport had already revealed on 19 December that Coppola was set to return to Birkirkara, a report which at the time was dismissed by the club, stating that there was no truth to the story and asked the editor to remove the news.
Despite that stance, the deal has now been finalised, underlining Malta Sport’s earlier information and highlighting how situations can evolve rapidly during the January transfer window. While negotiations may have been ongoing or subject to final conditions at the time of the initial report, Coppola’s return ultimately confirms that talks were indeed taking place behind the scenes.
From a sporting perspective, Coppola’s arrival is a significant boost for Gianluca Festa, who has been tasked with reshaping the squad following a turbulent period that included a heavy 6-1 defeat to Ħamrun Spartans and the subsequent departure of several players. The club has already confirmed the release of Stefan Marjanovic, Pablo Gaitan and Abubakar Asumah, signalling the start of a clear rebuild aligned with Festa’s tactical vision.
Coppola fits that vision well. Strong in aerial duels, comfortable in possession and tactically disciplined, the defender offers a blend of physicality and technique that Birkirkara have often lacked this season. His experience in the league, familiarity with the club environment and natural leadership make him an immediate reference point in a back line that has conceded heavily in recent weeks.
The defender is expected to be among the new faces making their debut at the start of the second round of the YoHealth Malta Premier League, as Birkirkara look to deliver a far stronger second half of the campaign and reassert themselves within the Top 6.
While the club’s official announcement frames the move as a homecoming, it also serves as a reminder of the fluid nature of transfer negotiations and the importance of accurate reporting in Maltese football. With Coppola now officially back in yellow and red, Birkirkara will hope that his return marks not only the strengthening of their defence, but also the beginning of a broader turnaround under Festa.
For Malta Sport, the confirmation of the deal closes a chapter that began weeks earlier, reaffirming the outlet’s reporting while underlining that, in football, denials can often precede eventual reality.
