Brighton Sign Portuguese Defender Costinha on Five-Year Deal from Olympiacos

Brighton Secure Costinha on Long-Term Contract

Brighton & Hove Albion have announced the signing of Portuguese defender Costinha from Greek side Olympiacos, with the 24-year-old putting pen to paper on a five-year deal at the Amex Stadium.

The move, confirmed on Monday, sees Costinha become the Seagulls' latest addition ahead of the new Premier League campaign, as manager Fabian Hürzeler continues to reshape his squad following last season's 11th-place finish.

Although the transfer fee has not been disclosed by the club, it is understood to be in the region of £15-20 million, reflecting Brighton's willingness to invest in young defensive talent.

Who Is Costinha?

Costinha, whose full name is João Pedro da Silva Costa, began his career in Portugal with Sporting CP's academy before moving to Olympiacos in 2022. During his two seasons in Greece, he made 67 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing four assists.

Primarily a centre-back, the 6ft 3in defender is also comfortable playing as a defensive midfielder, offering versatility at the back. His performances in the Greek Super League and Europa League caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, but Brighton moved quickly to secure his signature.

According to reports, Costinha impressed Brighton's scouting team with his aerial ability, composure on the ball, and reading of the game — attributes that align with Hürzeler's preference for building from the back.

Tactical Context: How Costinha Fits into Hürzeler's System

Fabian Hürzeler, who took over at Brighton in June 2024, has implemented a high-pressing, possession-based style reminiscent of previous managers Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi. The German coach favours a 4-3-3 formation that requires centre-backs to be comfortable in one-on-one situations and capable of playing accurate long passes to switch play.

Costinha's profile fits this system well. He averaged 1.8 interceptions and 3.2 clearances per game in the Greek league last season, while his pass completion rate of 88% underscores his reliability in possession. His physical presence will also be valuable in defending set pieces, an area where Brighton conceded 12 goals last season — the fourth-highest in the division.

The arrival of Costinha adds depth to a defensive unit that already includes Lewis Dunk, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Adam Webster. With Dunk entering the twilight of his career at 33, Costinha could be viewed as a long-term successor alongside Van Hecke, who has impressed since breaking into the first team.

Impact on Brighton's Season Prospects

Brighton finished 11th in the 2024-25 Premier League, a drop from their sixth-place finish the previous season. The departure of key players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Moisés Caicedo in 2023 took time to overcome, but the club has since reinvested wisely.

Costinha's signing addresses a clear need: Brighton conceded 58 goals last season, the most among the top half of the table. Improving defensive solidity will be crucial if they are to push for European qualification again. The club's recruitment strategy under technical director David Weir continues to focus on undervalued assets from European leagues, and Costinha fits that mould.

From a Fantasy Premier League perspective, Costinha is likely to be priced around £4.5 million — making him a budget enabler. However, with Brighton's defence yet to prove its reliability, FPL managers may wait for clean sheets before investing.

What's Next for Costinha and Brighton

Costinha is expected to join his new teammates for pre-season training in July, with Brighton's first competitive fixture being a pre-season friendly against Villarreal on 2 August. The Premier League season kicks off on 16 August, and Costinha will hope to be in contention for a starting spot against Everton on the opening weekend.

The next few weeks will see Brighton potentially add more new faces, with a midfielder and a winger believed to be on the club's radar. For now, supporters can look forward to a defender who combines youth, versatility, and European experience — a combination that has served Brighton well in recent years.