Medical Examination Underway as €10 Million Valuation Finalized in Alberto Costa Exchange
Juventus have successfully completed the signing of Portuguese right-back João Mario from FC Porto in a complex player-plus-cash swap deal that sees Alberto Costa move in the opposite direction. The 25-year-old Portugal international has arrived in Turin and is finalizing the formalities of his transfer to the Bianconeri.
João Mario è a Torino, Juventus confirmed on their official social media channels, with accompanying footage showing the defender’s arrival in the Italian city. Portugal international João Mario is now on the ground in Italy and is ready to complete his transfer from FC Porto to Juventus, marking the culmination of intensive negotiations between the two clubs.
João Mario will undergo medical tests with the Old Lady on Thursday, sources tell Football Italia, with the examination representing the final step before the deal’s official completion. The medical process is expected to be straightforward given the player’s age and recent fitness record with Porto.
Deal Structure and Financial Details
The transfer has been structured as a sophisticated swap arrangement that benefits both clubs. João Mario is moving to the Old Lady in a permanent transfer worth €10m, while Alberto Costa is set to join Porto in a separate €16m deal.
More specifically, João Mario is valued at 10 million euros, while Porto will pay 15 million euros + 1 million in bonuses for Alberto Costa. This valuation represents excellent value for Juventus, considering João Mario’s experience and proven ability at both club and international level.
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Contract Terms and Long-Term Commitment
Juventus have reached an agreement with João Mario, who will sign a contract with the Bianconeri until June 2030, earning €2m per year plus performance-related bonuses. The long-term contract demonstrates Juventus’s confidence in the defender’s ability to contribute significantly to their defensive setup under new management.
The five-year deal provides stability for both player and club, allowing João Mario to establish himself in Serie A while giving Juventus a dependable right-back option for the foreseeable future.
Player Background and Experience
A product of the Porto Academy, João Mario made 181 appearances at a senior level with the Portuguese giants and has three appearances with the Portugal national team. His extensive experience with Porto, combined with international recognition, positions him well for the transition to Italian football.
The 25-year-old defender brings both defensive solidity and attacking threat from the right-back position, qualities that align perfectly with modern football’s tactical demands. His academy background with Porto ensures he possesses the technical skills necessary to adapt to Serie A’s tactical complexity.
Juventus and Porto have reached an agreement over the double transfer of João Mario and Alberto Costa, with this deal forming part of a broader transfer relationship between the clubs. The two clubs had negotiated the permanent transfer of Francisco Conceição over the past few weeks, with the winger’s move announced on Tuesday.
Timing and Final Completion
The deal is expected to be finalized by Thursday, with João Mario set to undergo a medical and then sign the contract with Juventus. Sources close to the negotiations indicate that all documentation has been prepared, with only the medical examination remaining before the transfer becomes official.
The verbal agreement finalized after weeks of negotiations, underscores Juventus’s ambition to reclaim dominance in Serie A following their third-place finish in May 2025. The timing allows João Mario to participate in pre-season preparations and integrate with his new teammates ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Alberto Costa’s Departure Context
The swap deal also a big moment for Alberto Costa, who joined Juve for a fee of €12.5m during the January transfer window just over six months ago. His departure to Porto, valued at €16 million including add-ons, suggests Juventus have managed to generate profit on their recent investment while securing a suitable replacement.
Impact on Squad Dynamics
João Mario’s arrival addresses Juventus’s need for depth and quality at right-back, providing competition and tactical flexibility. His experience in European competition with Porto, combined with his international experience, makes him immediately equipped to handle the pressures of playing for one of Italy’s most demanding clubs.
The Portuguese defender’s versatility and crossing ability from wide areas could prove particularly valuable in Juventus’s attacking phases, offering an additional dimension to their forward play.
For Porto, the deal generates substantial revenue while securing Alberto Costa’s services. For the player himself, the move offers the opportunity to test himself in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues while continuing his development with a club renowned for defensive excellence. With the medical test underway and contracts prepared, this carefully orchestrated transfer appears set to benefit everyone involved.
