Brighton sign Portuguese right-back Costinha from Olympiacos on five-year contract
Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of Portuguese defender Costinha from Olympiacos for a fee of around £11m (just under €12m). The 26-year-old right-back has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League side.
Deal details
Brighton & Hove Albion have secured the services of Portuguese right-back Costinha from Greek club Olympiacos on a five-year contract running until 2031. The Seagulls are understood to have paid about £11 million (just under €12 million) for the 26-year-old, though neither club disclosed the exact fee. Announced via Brighton's social media channels on Monday, the transfer remains subject to international clearance and will make Costinha the latest addition to Fabian Hurzeler's squad for the 2026/27 Premier League season. The right-back arrives early in the summer window, allowing him a full pre-season to integrate.
Player background
Born in Portugal, Costinha began his youth career with local side GD Cavalões before passing through ADC Aveleda, FC Porto, Braga and a loan spell at Palmeiras FC. He completed his development at Rio Ave, breaking into the first team in the 2020/21 campaign. Over three seasons in the Primeira Liga, he totaled 121 appearances, 11 goals and 13 assists, earning a reputation as one of the division's most consistent full-backs.
In 2024, Olympiacos signed him for a reported €2.5 million. He played 74 times for the Greek outfit over two seasons, scoring once and providing four assists. The 2025/26 season saw Costinha cement a starting role: he featured in 35 matches across all competitions, racking up 2,326 minutes, finding the net in the Champions League and setting up a goal in the Greek Super Cup. His performances drew the attention of Brighton's recruitment team.
Internationally, Costinha won a single cap for Portugal's under-21 side in 2022.
What the coach said
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler, who has shaped the Seagulls into a high-intensity, possession-oriented side, praised the new signing:
Costinha is a player we have followed closely for some time. He has the defensive capabilities, intensity and understanding of what we value. He is also comfortable in and out of possession and will add competition at right-back.
The coach's emphasis on comfort in possession aligns with Brighton's data-driven approach to recruitment, identifying players technically suited to their playing philosophy.
Brighton's ambitions
Brighton are coming off an eighth-place finish in the Premier League, which earned them a spot in the UEFA Conference League playoff round. Adding depth, especially in defensive positions, has been a priority for Hurzeler as the club prepares for a campaign involving European football. Costinha's arrival adds competition for the right-back slot and underscores Brighton's determination to build on their recent progress.
