In a summer full of chaotic transfers and big-money moves, FC Porto and Juventus quietly pulled off one of the more intriguing deals and it’s got a bit of everything.
It’s a straight swap deal with some cash added in, and both clubs are trading right-backs.
To keep it simple, 21-year-old Alberto Costa is moving to Porto, and 25-year-old João Mário is making the switch to Juventus. And as part of the package, Porto will also pay Juventus €3 million. Add that to the €12.5m Juventus originally spent on Costa (plus a potential €2.5m in bonuses), and the whole thing totals out to around €28 million.
But there’s a lot more to this move than just numbers.
How Did This Come Together?
Let’s rewind. Back in January, Juventus picked up Costa from Vitória de Guimarães for €12.5m, with a few bonuses tied to his performance. He signed a long-term deal running through 2029, and they clearly had high hopes for him.
Fast forward to July, and Porto came knocking with João Mário plus a €3m sweetener. Fabrizio Romano, as always, was all over the updates, confirming the clubs had entered “advanced talks.” Before Porto jumped in, Costa had other admirers too.
Sporting CP and Brighton were sniffing around, but Porto moved fastest and, arguably, smartest.
Costa didn’t waste time settling in at Juventus, he clocked 14 appearances, three assists, and looked sharp for someone adjusting to a top league. You could tell the raw talent was there.
Porto fans already know João Mário. He’s part of them, he came up through the academy and breaking into the first team back in 2019. Since then, he’s played over 100 games for the club, switching between right-back and winger depending on the team’s needs. And just last November, he got his first call-up to Portugal’s senior team, a proud moment for both him and the club.
So yeah, this wasn’t just a throwaway swap. Both players come with real pedigree.
So who’s Getting The Better End Of The Deal Here?
Alberto Costa at Porto
Costa isn’t just tall and quick, he’s got that rare combo of defensive grit and attacking mindset that modern full-backs live off. He’s 1.86 meters, holds his own in duels, and likes to burst down the flank when space opens up.
At Juve, he didn’t look out of place at all. Serie A appearances, Coppa Italia, Club World Cup, not a bad performance for a 21-year-old that's still learning. And three assists? You take that.
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Porto sees Costa as someone they can mold into a top-tier right-back. He’s Portuguese, so that helps with domestic quotas, and crucially, they stop him from landing at a rival like Sporting. That matters more than fans like to admit.
João Mário at Juventus
This one’s a bit more polarizing. João Mário’s played a lot of games, over 100 for Porto and brings experience.
He’s quick, comfortable on the ball, and he knows how to push forward down the wing.But consistency? That’s where the debate kicks in.
He started out as a winger but has settled more into the right-back role. Fans have often praised his speed and work rate, but his decision-making’s been hit or miss especially in high-pressure matches. On Reddit, one fan didn’t sugarcoat it:
“In 25 games he had about five assists… poor at space occupation and game reading… hides in big matches.”
Harsh? Maybe. Fair? Depends who you ask.
Still, not everyone’s down on him. His old coach, Israel Dionísio, believes the move could be the reset João needs:
“João has huge potential… technically very strong… Juventus gains a lot. He needs this next step.”
And honestly, Serie A could be the perfect place to sharpen up the tactical side of his game. If he buys in, Allegri could find real use for him.
Why’d they even go through with this swap in the first place?”
For Porto, the logic is pretty straightforward. They’re getting a younger player with high upside and some early top-level experience.
He fits their profile to a tee Portuguese, modern, full of potential. Plus, let’s be honest, blocking Sporting from landing him probably played into it too.
Juventus, meanwhile, is in a different place. They need players ready to plug in now. João Mário might not be a superstar, but he brings speed, experience, and can play multiple roles out wide qualities Allegri values.
And in a season where Juve got hit hard by injuries, adding someone who’s match-fit and battle-tested just makes sense.
Oh, and the €3m? That helps balance things a bit on Juve’s end.
Fans Have Mixed Feelings Naturally
Let’s be real, fan reactions rarely align perfectly with club strategy.
Some Porto fans are sad to see João Mário go. He came up through their system, gave them years of service, and for many, it feels like they’re selling low. One fan didn’t hold back:
“I had big hopes… but mentally and game IQ weak… I expected more.”
Juve fans, though, seem cautiously optimistic. A few saw this as a small but savvy win in a messy summer window. One comment stood out:
“We outbid Sporting, Benfica and Brighton… let’s hope they spotted a gem.”
Another added with dark humor:
“In our injury mess, a living RB is already a win.”
Fair point.
What This Deal Tells Us About Both Clubs
This isn’t just about players switching shirts, it reveals how both clubs think.
Porto is still Porto. Sharp, proactive, and focused on building value. They saw a chance to bring a young Portuguese player home and move on from someone who might’ve hit his ceiling.
Juventus, for all the chaos around them, is trying to stabilize things. João Mário isn’t flashy, but he’s useful. They need depth, they need wide options, and they need them now.
You could also argue this was Porto playing chess, not checkers. Sporting and Brighton were circling Costa, and Porto moved fast to secure a familiar talent on their own terms.
These Two Clubs Have Been Busy Together
This wasn’t the only bit of business between Porto and Juve this summer.
Juventus also locked down Francisco Conceição, triggering his €32m buyout clause before it jumped to €45m. That one raised eyebrows but again, it shows how closely these two clubs are monitoring each other.
There’s a bit of tactical rivalry bubbling here, both want to own the top young talent out of Portugal, and they’re willing to move quickly when the moment’s right.
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Costa fits that modern mold. So does João Mário, in theory. Both teams clearly see their value, not just as defenders but as key parts of the attack.
This isn’t just a swap for depth. It’s two teams betting on two very different paths, development vs readiness.
Key Voices on the Deal
Fabrizio Romano:
“Porto offered João Mário plus €3 million to Juventus for Alberto Costa.”
Israel Dionísio (João Mário’s ex-coach):
“João has huge potential… Juventus will gain… he’s ready for the next step.”
Fans:
“In 25 games… poor at space occupation… hides in big matches.”
“We outbid Sporting… let’s hope they spotted a gem.”
What Happens Next for Both Clubs?
According to reports from AS, the official confirmation could land on Thursday, July 24. Once it’s done, both players are expected to join their new squads immediately.
Costa will start preseason with Porto and push for the starting RB spot. João Mário’s off to Turin, where he’ll link up with Allegri’s squad and start proving he belongs.
Expect them both to feature early in the new season.
WanderlustSport Verdict
No, this isn’t the blockbuster headline deal of the summer. But it might be one of the smarter ones.
Porto gets a younger, dynamic full-back who fits their system and future plans. Juventus picks up a seasoned option for the right flank and some bonus cash. Both clubs win in their own way.
Still, there’s pressure. Costa has to keep improving. João Mário needs to shake off the inconsistency.
But if things click? This might end up being one of those quiet summer deals that people remember later and say, “That’s when things started to change.”
More updates coming soon.