Alberto Costa at PSG: the new Portuguese «modern full-back» who is causing panic in Europe

Paris Saint-Germain continues its «Portugalization». After Vitinha, Nuno Mendes and João Neves, this is the tour d’Alberto Costa to be announced in the sights of Luis Campos. If his name has been circulating with some confusion in recent days, Footstorm sets the record straight: the Estoril Praia player is a pure right-back, 22 years old, and his profile seems tailor-made for Luis Enrique’s system.

🇵🇹 Who is Alberto Costa, Estoril striker?

Born in 2003, Alberto Oliveira Baio Costa (his full name) has established himself as one of the revelations of the Portuguese La Liga.

• His profile: A modern full-back, very forward, capable of repeating himself across his entire lane.
• His real stats: Defensive solidity combined with precision in centering make him a constant threat in the offensive phase.
• Why PSG? With Achraf Hakimi often in demand and few natural replacements at this level, Alberto Costa represents the perfect investment: young, versatile and already accustomed to intense football.

🎮 The expert’s eye: how much is Alberto Costa worth in FC 26 and FM 26?

To understand why Parisian recruiters get excited, just look at their virtual «data», often very close to reality.

In FC 26 (EA Sports FC)

ON FC26Alberto Costa is what we call a “hidden treasure”.

• Potential: Second FIFACMhas evolutionary potential up to 83-84making him a solid starter for any European Top 5 team after two seasons.
• Key Attributes: His speed (pace) and his endurance are his great strengths. With his playing style (PlayStyles) focused on overflow, he is the ideal full-back for those who play with high blocks.

In Football Manager 2026 (FM 26)

For management purists, Alberto Costa is a priority objective from the first transfer window. In FM26stands out for its grit and its centers. He is the type of player you buy for 5 million euros and sell for 40 million three years later to an English big club.

Storm Note: If you liked our guide [meilleures pépites de FC 26]Alberto Costa is clearly the player to add to your “Shortlist”.

⚡ Tactical analysis: what role at PSG?

Luis Enrique is looking for players capable of occupying multiple zones. Although Alberto Costa is a trained full-back, his technical quality allows him to move to the center to compact the midfield, a movement that the Spanish coach likes to ask of his full-backs.

The duel with Hakimi: It’s not about replacing the Moroccan, but about offering him real competition. Unlike a «gap» substitute, Costa has the profile to become a full-fledged starter in the event of a rotation or change of system (switching to 3 or 5 defenders).

Conclusion: a “signature” transfer of the Campos era?

Recruiting Portuguese talent before he explodes at clubs like Benfica or Porto is Luis Campos’ specialty. If PSG manage to complete the Alberto Costa dossier, they would secure one of the most complicated positions in modern football for the next decade.

And you, Parisian fans, do you confirm this idea to double Hakimi’s position? Give us your opinion in the comments!

A Profile Built for Luis Enrique?

At 22 years old, Alberto Costa is a natural right-back—an important clarification amid recent confusion. Dynamic, technically secure, and comfortable pushing high up the pitch, his attributes align closely with the positional demands of Luis Enrique’s system.

Under Luis Enrique, full-backs are not merely defensive protectors; they are structural pieces in possession. They often invert into midfield, provide width in high build-up phases, or participate in aggressive counter-pressing transitions. Costa’s mobility and tactical intelligence make him a potentially seamless fit within this framework.

Strategic Continuity

The recruitment logic also reflects the influence of Luis Campos. PSG’s recent Portuguese acquisitions suggest a coherent scouting pipeline rather than isolated decisions. Familiarity with similar footballing education and tactical culture may ease integration and dressing-room chemistry.

With Achraf Hakimi still central to the right flank, Costa would likely arrive as competition and long-term depth rather than immediate replacement. However, squad rotation and fixture congestion require reliable alternatives capable of maintaining intensity.

Ultimately, PSG’s transfer strategy appears increasingly methodical. Rather than chasing marquee headlines, the club seems focused on complementary profiles that reinforce structural identity. If finalized, Alberto Costa would represent another calculated step in that direction.