Full Breakdown
Brighton Secures Portuguese Right-Back Costinha from Olympiacos
6/16/2026, 12:54:00 AM
Transfer Details and Core Event
Brighton & Hove Albion announced the acquisition of Portuguese defender João Pedro Loureiro da Costa, known as Costinha, on a five-year contract. The club listed the terms as undisclosed and noted that the move is subject to international clearance and the completion of the usual regulatory approvals. Media reports estimate the fee at roughly £11 million, though the official announcement did not confirm an amount. Sources differ on his age, citing both 26 years (Brighton) and 25 years (The Argus).
Background & Career Path
Costinha progressed through several Portuguese youth academies before joining Rio Ave in 2017. He amassed 121 first-team appearances for the Primeira Liga side and earned a single Portugal U21 cap in 2022. In 2024 he transferred to Olympiacos, where he featured in 74 matches, scoring 12 goals and gaining experience against clubs such as Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen.
Data & Statistics
- Age: reported as 26 years (Brighton) and 25 years (The Argus)
- Rio Ave appearances: 121
- Olympiacos appearances: 74 (12 goals)
- Portugal U21 caps: 1 (2022)
- Estimated transfer fee: ? £11 million (unofficial)
- Contract length: five years
Official Statements & Club Perspective
Head coach Fabian Hurzeler emphasized that Costinha matches Brighton’s tactical profile. He highlighted the defender’s defensive reliability, intensity, and comfort in possession, noting that the signing will broaden competition for the right-back position. Hurzeler also expressed satisfaction that the player chose to continue his development in the Premier League, underscoring the club’s ambition to reinforce its squad ahead of domestic and Conference League commitments.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Head coach Fabian Hurzeler said, "Costinha is a player we have followed closely for some time.” — Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton & Hove Albion head coach
- “He has the defensive capabilities, intensity and understanding of what we value.” — Fabian Hurzeler
- “He is also comfortable in and out of possession of the ball and will add competition at right-back, alongside our existing options.” — Fabian Hurzeler
- “I am delighted he has chosen to continue his development with us in the Premier League.” — Fabian Hurzeler
Why It Matters / Impact on Brighton
Costinha arrives as Brighton prepares for a season that includes Conference League fixtures. His experience against elite European opposition is expected to enhance the defensive unit and provide depth behind incumbent right-back Mats Wieffer and veteran Joel Veltman. The addition aligns with the club’s strategy of integrating players with proven continental experience to sustain competitiveness in both domestic and European arenas.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Age discrepancy: Brighton’s announcement lists 26 years, while The Argus cites 25 years.
- Transfer fee: Official communications describe the fee as undisclosed, yet multiple outlets estimate it at £11 million.
- Contract specifics: Details beyond the five-year term remain unreported, and Olympiacos has not publicly commented on the transfer.
What’s Next
Costinha must obtain international clearance and complete the usual regulatory approvals before the transfer can be finalized. Assuming those approvals are granted, he is slated to integrate with the team ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign and Brighton’s Conference League schedule.
