Brighton signs Costinha, first permanent Portuguese player
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 5:48 PM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Brighton has signed Joao Pedro Loureiro da Costa, known as Costinha, as a key addition to their squad. The 26-year-old defender is expected to serve as a back-up to Joel Veltman at right-back. Brighton identified Costinha through an extensive data analysis approach, having targeted him since January. The player, who previously transformed from a winger to a right-back at Olympiacos, brings valuable experience from his time in the Champions League. With Brighton qualifying for the Conference League, adding depth to the defense has become essential.
- •Costinha joins Brighton from Olympiacos
- •Expected to back up Joel Veltman at right-back
- •Previously played in the Champions League
- •First permanent Portuguese signing in club history
- •Signing follows extensive scouting and data analysis
- 5:48 PMYahoo Sports — Who is Brighton signing Costinha?
"Costinha, full name Joao Pedro Loureiro da Costa, joins Brighton as a result of extensive data analysis and scouting from the club's impressive recruitment model. Having been targeted since January, the 26-year-old is likely to start the season as back-up to Joel Veltman at right-back. Veltman is in talks to extend a contract that expires at the end of this month.
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