The lowdown on Costinha

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Defender's former clubs include Rio Ave and Olympiacos.

Richie Mills

2026-06-20T06:00+01:00

Costinha spent two years in Greece with Olympiacos. 📸 by Paul Hazlewood.

Brighton have signed a "fighter" in Costinha, whose Champions League experience should stand him in good stead in the Premier League.

That is according to Greek football expert Giannis Chorianopoulos, who believes that the defender's never-say-die attitude will endear him to Fabian Hurzeler and the club's fans.

Although Olympiacos had a trophyless season last season, the 26-year-old was one of their standout players and helped them secure a league and cup double for the Greek giants in 2024/25.

"He's a player who will give 100%. Physically, he's in great condition, he is strong offensively. Defensively he is consistent," said Chorianopoulos.

Costinha is a Seagull. 💫 pic.twitter.com/PNrG3dzRqB
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) June 15, 2026

"He loves to run and use his pace. While he will need time to adapt to the Premier League, as the Greek league is not on the same level, Costinha had some really good games in the Champions League. I think that is the most important takeaway.

"Costinha is a fighter. He also loves to attack, provide overlapping runs and link up with the number nine or other attackers. I think he can fit in well at Brighton. But like Babis Kostoulas, he needs time."

Last season, the former Portugal Under-21 international, who scored one goal and added four assists in 74 games for Olympiacos, created 24 chances, made 128 defensive contributions and was dribbled past just 16 times in the league.

Costinha joined from Portuguese side Rio Ave in 2024, and according to Sun journalist Kostas Lianos, the right-back made his mark straight away.

Challenge the establishment. A key message from head coach Fabian Hurzeler. 📸 by Paul Hazlewood.

"He quickly became Olympiacos’ starting right-back as he was often preferred to crowd favourite Rodinei – who was among the main pillars that led to the club’s shock Europa Conference League triumph in 2024," said Lianos. "He is a hard worker, aggressive in duels, very capable in 1-v-1 situations, a disciplined marker, and very calm under pressure. But he has also been very dangerous on the attack thanks to his speed, crossing and ability to up the tempo on the overlap.

"Of course, not everything has been perfect, as there were times when Rodinei was preferred over Costinha."

Lianos continued, "Everyone at Olympiacos knew Costinha was destined for a major move to a bigger and better competition, like the Premier League, since the day he joined.

"Costinha is a very suitable player for Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, and fans are highly likely to enjoy his skills as well as his work ethic.

"Supporters can look into his impressive record in the Champions League (one goal in seven appearances) and Europa League (nine appearances) if they are not convinced about his success in the Greek Super League."

The defender has signed a five-year contract with Albion. 📸 by Paul Hazlewood.

Chorianopoulos still believes that Costinha - who joined Brighton on a five-year deal - can improve when it comes to the defensive side of the game. But being exposed to the ruthlessness of the Premier League is likely to help him iron out any deficiencies.

"If you play right-back, especially in the Premier League, you have to be really, really careful," he said.

"Almost every winger there is very fast and can take advantage of lapses in concentration or when gaps open up in behind. Olympiacos may not have helped him a lot because they had some defensive problems last season but this new environment can strengthen his weaknesses.

"He will need time to adapt but he will not be afraid to take risks and try to challenge to be a starter."