According to Sky Sport Italia (as quoted by ilbianconero) , Juventus and Porto have completed a significant transfer agreement involving two Portuguese players: Joao Mario is set to join Juventus, while Alberto Costa will return to Porto. The deal comes after intensified negotiations between the clubs, accelerated by Juventus’ recent signing of Francisco Conceicao from Porto.
The Players and Their Moves
Joao Mario, 25, who joined Porto’s youth academy as a child and progressed to become a key member of the senior squad, will move to Juventus. He is expected to arrive in Italy soon to undergo medical tests before signing his contract. Known for his versatility on the right flank, Mario plays primarily as a right-back or right wing-back and fits into Juventus’ tactical plans.
Alberto Costa, a 21-year-old right-back, arrives at Porto after spending just a few months at Juventus, having transferred to Turin in January 2025 from Vitoria Guimaraes. Despite initial adaptation challenges, he gained steady playing time under Juventus coach Igor Tudor, particularly during the FIFA Club World Cup. Now, Costa heads back to his homeland to take on a new challenge with Porto.
Financial Details of the Deal
Valuations have placed Alberto Costa at €15 million plus €1 million in potential bonuses, while Joao Mario is valued around €12 million. Given the difference in valuations, Porto will pay Juventus an additional €3 million plus €1 million in bonuses as compensation, ensuring the financial balance of this swap arrangement.
Strategic Implications
This deal supports Juventus’ ongoing squad restructuring, with the arrival of Joao Mario envisioned to strengthen their right-sided options. Meanwhile, Porto bolsters their team by securing a promising young defender in Alberto Costa as they aim to reclaim domestic success.
Both transfers are technically separate but are closely linked as part of a broader agreement to meet each club’s sporting and financial objectives. The swift closing of the operation follows collaborative negotiation efforts accelerated by the recent exchange involving Francisco Conceicao.
