Brighton Secure Portuguese Right-Back Costinha from Olympiakos

Brighton & Hove Albion have officially announced the signing of Portuguese right-back Costinha from Greek club Olympiakos. The 26-year-old defender has agreed to a five-year contract with the Premier League side, pending international clearance and regulatory approvals.

Costinha, who has been a key player for Olympiakos, is known for his defensive reliability and energetic presence on the right flank. His performances have stood out both in domestic Greek competitions and in European fixtures, making him an attractive prospect for Brighton as they look to strengthen their squad.

The transfer fee has not been publicly disclosed, but reports suggest it is in the region of 13 million euros. This deal is also financially significant for Costinha's former club Rio Ave, who sold him two years ago for 2.5 million euros. Rio Ave retains a 30% sell-on clause from any future transfer, which could potentially yield them close to four million euros from this move.

Brighton's head coach Fabian Hurzeler expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition, noting that Costinha had been under the club's observation for some time. Hurzeler highlighted the player's defensive skills, intensity, and tactical understanding as qualities that align well with Brighton's style of play. He also emphasized Costinha's versatility and competitiveness, both on and off the ball, as valuable assets for the team's right-back position.

This signing adds to the growing presence of Portuguese players in the Premier League and reflects Brighton's ongoing strategy to recruit talent with proven experience in European football. Costinha's arrival is expected to increase competition within the squad and provide the team with greater defensive solidity and attacking support down the right side.

Looking ahead, Costinha will aim to integrate quickly into Brighton's setup as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League season. The club will be monitoring his adaptation closely, with hopes that his contribution will help improve their defensive options and overall squad depth. Meanwhile, Rio Ave will be watching the transfer's financial implications with interest, as the sell-on clause could provide a welcome boost to their finances.