Brighton signs Costinha, first permanent Portuguese player

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 5:48 PM

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

Brighton signs Costinha, first permanent Portuguese player
Summary

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.

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  • 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
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  • 5:48 PMYahoo SportsWho is Brighton signing Costinha?
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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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