Who is Brighton signing Costinha?

Costinha's signing underscores Brighton's data-driven recruitment model. The 26-year-old Joao Pedro Loureiro da Costa joins as a right-back, likely backing up Joel Veltman, who is negotiating a contract extension. Costinha previously starred at Olympiacos, where he converted from winger to a strong defender and earned Champions League experience. He is connected to striker Charalampos Kostoulas, a teammate from Olympiacos. Costinha's career path included stints at Cavaloes, Aveleda, Porto, Braga, and a Palmeiras loan before breaking through at Rio Ave at age 20 in Portuguese football. He is Brighton’s first permanent Portuguese signing. Costinha hails from Povoa de Varzim, north of Porto, and is the cousin of former Watford defender Joao Ferreira.