Brighton Signs Defender Costinha from Olympiacos for £11 Million

Brighton & Hove Albion has confirmed the signing of defender Costinha from Greek club Olympiacos. The 26-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Seagulls, pending international clearance and regulatory approvals.

Costinha joins Brighton for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £11 million. He becomes the second signing of the summer transfer window under manager Fabian Hurzeler, following winger Zadok Yohanna.

“Costinha is a player we have followed closely for some time,” Hurzeler stated on Brighton’s official website. “He possesses the defensive capabilities, intensity, and understanding of our values, making him an excellent addition to our squad. He is adept both in and out of possession and will enhance competition at right-back alongside our current options. I am thrilled he has chosen to continue his development with us in the Premier League.”.

Costinha’s Premier League Ambitions

Upon confirming his transfer, Costinha expressed his excitement about joining Brighton and playing in the Premier League. “I’m so excited to play for this club and in the Premier League,” he said. “It was a dream as a kid, and now is a great moment for me to gain this experience and help my teammates.”.

When asked if he had spoken to former Olympiacos teammate Charalampos Kostoulas about the move, Costinha replied: “I spoke with him a little bit. I don’t know much yet, but I have talked with some people about the club.”.

Costinha added that he is eager to start his journey with Brighton: “This club feels like a family to me, and I believe it’s the best place for my development.”.

Profile of Costinha

Born in Povoa de Varzim, Portugal, Costinha’s full name is Joao Pedro Loureiro da Costa. He began his football career in Portugal’s youth academies at Cavaloes, Aveleda, Porto, and Braga before joining Rio Ave in 2017.

A right-back who can also play further up the field, Costinha made his professional debut in November 2020 after progressing through Rio Ave’s youth system. Over nearly four seasons with Rio Ave’s first team, he made 121 appearances and was named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year for the 2023-24 season after scoring five goals and providing six assists across 37 matches.

In summer 2024, he transferred to Olympiacos for approximately €2.5 million and contributed significantly to their success by playing in 39 matches during a season that saw them secure both the Greek Super League and Greek Cup titles.

During the 2025-26 season, although Olympiacos did not retain their league title, Costinha made 35 appearances across all competitions, including seven matches in the Champions League where he scored against Bayer Leverkusen during a group stage victory.

On the international stage, Costinha has represented Portugal at Under-18, Under-19, Under-20, and Under-21 levels but has yet to receive a senior call-up.