Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of defender Costinha from Greek side Olympiacos. The club announced the deal runs for five years, bringing the Portuguese center-back to the Premier League side as they prepare for another European campaign.
A five-year commitment
Costinha, who left Olympiacos after two seasons in Greece, has signed on through the 2029-30 season. Brighton did not disclose the transfer fee, but the length of the contract signals the club sees him as a long-term piece of their back line. The 25-year-old made 18 appearances in all competitions last term and helped Olympiacos secure a top-three finish in the Super League.
European ambitions
The signing comes as Brighton look to build on a strong finish in the Premier League that earned them a spot in European competition this season. Adding defensive depth is a clear priority — Costinha can play both center-back and right-back, giving manager Roberto De Zerbi more options across the back four. The club's push into Europe was a major factor in attracting the defender, according to sources close to the negotiations.
Savvy recruitment
Brighton has built a reputation for smart, data-driven transfers, often picking up undervalued players from smaller leagues and developing them into Premier League regulars. Costinha fits that mold. He started his career at Sporting CP before moving to Olympiacos, where he developed into a reliable defender. The deal also reinforces Brighton's growing network in Portugal — they've previously signed players from the Portuguese league, and Costinha's familiarity with the style of play should ease his transition.
Costinha is expected to join the squad for preseason training next week, and could feature in Brighton's early Europa League qualifiers if they are required to play them.
