This week, we’ve covered multiple articles from the Portuguese press on Brighton & Hove Albion becoming something of an irritant for Sporting CP in the chase to sign Alberto Costa from Vitória de Guimarães this month.
According to repeat claims, the right-back prefers a move to Sporting, but Brighton’s pair of offers have changed the landscape of a potential transfer. The latest bid from the Seagulls consisted of a €12m initial payment plus a further €2m in potential bonuses.
Brighton are also thought to be prepared to allow Alberto Costa to stay with Vitória de Guimarães until the end of the current season.
Friday’s Portuguese newspapers are packed with stories on this case, so it’s best going through them individually.
First up is Record.
They report the player’s desire for Sporting over Brighton ‘is not enough to unlock the transfer immediately’.
Vitória de Guimarães are prioritising a move to Brighton because the Seagulls offer is better for them, according to Record.
The report states Brighton’s offer is €12m plus €2m, whereas Sporting currently stand at €9m plus €2m.
A Bola have their own take, reporting Brighton are ‘out of the picture’. Alberto Costa’s agent Miguel Pinho, who also represents a certain Bruno Fernandes, is said to have told Brighton that his client is only considering Sporting right now.
Jornal de Noticias report Vitória de Guimarães are clinging to Brighton’s offer and don’t see why they should accept much less.
