Juventus Concoct Swap of Fullbacks with Porto

In a surprisingly quick negotiation for their standards, Juventus have put together a trade with Porto involving Alberto Costa and Joao Mario. The Bianconeri will receive a €4M cash compensation.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Os Dragoes overtook Sporting CP late in the game by dangling a counterparty. The 25-year-old has 181 appearances with them under his belt, during which he has scored 5 times and provided 26 assists. He has three caps with Portugal.

Juventus will bid farewell to Alberto Costa, who’ll have a €16M valuation, after just six months, getting Joao Mario in return. They had paid €12M to sign him from Vitoria Guimaraes in January. He has played 14 times with them, although making just 6 starts, dishing out 3 helpers, faring well especially in the FIFA Club World Cup.

The swap likely won’t deter the Old Lady from signing another right back. Nahuel Molina is currently the frontrunner. In a flash deal, Atletico Madrid captured his substitute, beating Wolverhampton and Milan to the punch for Marc Pubill.

Nottingham Forest and Villarreal are also keen on the Argentinian World Champions, though, Tuttomercatoweb informs. The Bianconeri have talked with his entourage, while the negotiation between clubs has yet to start.

Our Take on Juventus Selling Alberto Costa for Joao Mario

It’s a deal that doesn’t move the needle much, as they are replacing a young deputy with a more experienced option. The small ‘plusvalenza’ and the amount of money they’ll pocket aren’t great justifications. The former might not be can’t-miss-prospect but had shown enough to explore his potential more. Perhaps he asked out after realizing he wouldn’t be a starter. The double operation doesn’t lessen the need to find a real difference-maker at the position.