Brighton & Hove Albion have agreed the signing of defender Costinha from Olympiacos on a five-year contract for undisclosed terms, subject to international clearance and the completion of the usual regulatory approvals.
The 26-year-old Portuguese full-back joins the Albion after establishing himself as a regular in Greece. His defensive reliability, energy down the right flank and growing influence in possession have made him a key figure for Olympiacos both domestically and in European competition.
Head coach Fabian Hürzeler said the club had tracked the defender for a long while, describing him as "a player we have followed closely for some time". He praised Costinha's defensive qualities, intensity and understanding of the way the team wants to play, and said he expects him to be an excellent addition to the squad.
Hürzeler added that Costinha is comfortable both in and out of possession and will provide fresh competition at right-back alongside the club's existing options. He said he was delighted the defender had chosen to continue his development in the Premier League.
From Rio Ave to the Premier League
Costinha, whose full name is João Pedro Loureiro da Costa, began his career in Portugal, developing through the academy system before breaking into senior football with Rio Ave. There he gained valuable experience in the Primeira Liga at a young age, quickly maturing into a dependable presence on the right side of defence.
Those performances earned him a move to Olympiacos in 2024, where he went on to make 74 appearances across all competitions. He has also represented Portugal at youth level, featuring from under-18 right through to the under-21 side.
What Costinha adds to the Albion
The signing fits the recruitment profile Brighton have built their recent success on, blending youth, resale potential and tactical suitability. A modern full-back who defends diligently and contributes in the attacking third, Costinha gives Hürzeler greater flexibility down the right and depth for a demanding campaign.
He becomes the latest addition to a squad that has continued to establish itself among the established names of the top flight. Supporters can track how the club's options line up through our Brighton squad numbers page, and review the club's progress across recent seasons in our Brighton & Hove Albion Premier League record.
