The transfer market always brings unexpected twists, and one of the latest involves Joao Mario, Alberto Costa, Porto, and Juventus. IlBianconero Italia report that Porto have reportedly proposed a deal to Juventus: Joao Mario, their reliable right-back, would move to Turin, while young talent Alberto Costa would head to Portugal. The exchange also includes a financial bonus for Juventus, making this proposal especially intriguing for the Italian club.
Who Is Joao Mario?
Joao Mario was born just 30 kilometers from Porto and has spent his entire playing career with the club, rising through the youth ranks and gaining valuable experience with the Porto B team before becoming a fixture in the first team. Born in 2000, he is 25 years old—three years senior to Alberto Costa. Notably, Joao Mario has amassed a wealth of experience at the top level, with over 180 appearances for Porto’s first team. He has also debuted for the Portuguese national team, earning several caps despite not being called up since March 2024.
Joao Mario’s Numbers at Porto
In the most recent season, Joao Mario was a near-constant presence on the field for Porto, clocking almost 3,000 minutes across 42 appearances in all competitions. While he did not score, he contributed seven assists, including one in the Club World Cup, where Porto exited during the group stage. His durability is another strength—he missed just four matches due to fitness issues all season, which highlights his reliability.
Across his almost 200 first-team matches for Porto, Joao Mario has provided only five goals but has racked up 26 assists, underlining his greater impact as a creator rather than a scorer.
Position and Playing Characteristics
Joao Mario is a natural right-back who would directly fill the spot on Juventus’ right flank currently occupied by Alberto Costa. He is particularly known for his offensive qualities, energetic runs down the wing, and excellent stamina. While his attacking contributions are impressive, he sometimes displays defensive limitations. Over the years at Porto, Joao Mario has also been used as a right midfielder and, on occasion, on the left flank, demonstrating versatility but always performing best in his natural position.
