Juventus boss Igor Tudor makes bold move to keep €20m-rated defender

Despite interest from Sporting CP, Juventus have made it clear that 21-year-old right-back Alberto Costa is not for sale.

According to reports from A Bola, Juventus manager Igor Tudor regards Costa as a vital component of the team’s plans for the 2025/26 season.

Sporting CP, looking to strengthen their squad, reportedly offered €20 million for Costa. However, Juventus promptly rejected the bid, reaffirming their commitment to retaining the young defender.

The club’s management, including Tudor, believes Costa’s development will be best served by staying at Juventus, where he is firmly integrated into their long-term strategy.

Costa joined Juventus from Vitória de Guimarães in January for an initial €12.5 million, with potential bonuses of €2.5 million plus additional fees, signing a contract until June 2029.

After initially struggling for playing time under Thiago Motta, Costa began to establish himself following Igor Tudor’s appointment in March.

By the end of the season, he had become a reliable presence, making 14 senior appearances and registering three assists. The young defender first caught attention on the international stage during the FIFA Club World Cup.

In Juventus’s 5–0 victory over Al Ain, Costa stood out by providing two crucial assists—first setting up Randal Kolo Muani’s header and later delivering the pass for Francisco Conceição’s tap-in.

His composure and precise deliveries from the flank earned widespread praise, marking him as a key performer.

With their pursuit of Costa halted, Sporting CP have now shifted focus to Stefanos Vagiannidis of Panathinaikos as they seek to reinforce their full-back options.