AEK’s Ambition to Sign João Mário: A Strategic Move Before the Transfer Deadline
As the transfer window nears its close, AEK is actively pursuing an additional signing, targeting the experienced 32-year-old Portuguese attacking midfielder, João Mário, currently contracted with Beşiktaş until the summer of 2027.
Current Transfer Developments: Martial’s Exit and João Mário’s Potential Arrival
AEK is on the verge of finalizing the sale of Anthony Martial to Mexican club Monterrey. The French striker, aged 30, is undergoing medical examinations in Madrid as the clubs have reached a preliminary agreement. Simultaneously, AEK is negotiating with Beşiktaş to secure João Mário’s transfer, aiming to strengthen their midfield options before the deadline.
João Mário’s Versatility and Tactical Fit at AEK
João Mário offers tactical flexibility, capable of operating as an attacking midfielder behind the striker or on either flank. This adaptability aligns with AEK’s strategic needs, providing depth and creativity in the final third.
Career Highlights and Recent Performance
João Mário officially joined Beşiktaş in January 2025 for a transfer fee of €2 million after an initial loan spell. In the current season, he has featured in eight matches across European and Turkish competitions, contributing three goals and one assist. Overall, he has accumulated 45 appearances for Beşiktaş, netting 10 goals and providing five assists, showcasing his consistent impact.
Previous Collaboration with Coach Marko Nikolić
Notably, João Mário has previously worked with coach Marko Nikolić during his loan stint at Lokomotiv Moscow, where Nikolić was the head coach. This prior relationship could facilitate his integration into AEK’s squad.
João Mário: A Comprehensive Profile
Born João Mário Naval da Costa Eduardo on January 19, 1993, in Porto, Portugal, the 1.79m midfielder began his professional journey with Sporting Lisbon. In 2014, he was loaned to Vitória Setúbal before returning to Sporting, where he played a pivotal role in securing the Portuguese Cup in 2015. His impressive performances earned him a €40 million transfer to Inter Milan in 2016, with an additional €5 million in bonuses.
During his time with Inter, João Mário experienced loan spells at West Ham United and Lokomotiv Moscow. In 2020, he returned to Sporting on loan, helping the club clinch the Primeira Liga title for the first time in 19 years. Subsequently, he spent three seasons at Benfica, where he scored 17 league goals and won the 2022-23 Primeira Liga championship.
International Career and Achievements with Portugal
João Mário debuted for the Portuguese national team in 2014 and was part of the squad that triumphed at Euro 2016. He also represented Portugal at the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups. With Angolan heritage, he accumulated 82 appearances across youth levels and 13 with the U21s. His senior debut came in a friendly against France on October 11, 2014, where he earned a penalty. He scored his first international goal in a friendly against Saudi Arabia on November 10, 2017. In May 2023, he announced his retirement from international football.
Key Moments in João Mário’s Career Trajectory
- 2018: Loaned to West Ham United, making 14 appearances and scoring twice.
- 2019: Loan spell at Lokomotiv Moscow, featuring in 22 games with 1 goal and 7 assists.
- 2020: Returned to Sporting Lisbon, contributing to their league title with 127 appearances, 16 goals, and 20 assists overall.
- July 2021: Terminated contract with Inter Milan after 69 matches, 4 goals, and 13 assists.
Benfica Tenure: Record-Breaking Performances
João Mário signed with Benfica on July 13, 2021. He scored his first goal for the club on August 10, 2021, during a Champions League fixture. In the 2022-23 Champions League group stage, he netted four goals. His 17 league goals that season marked a personal best. On November 29, 2023, he made history by scoring a hat-trick against his former club Inter Milan in the Champions League, the first ever for Benfica in the competition.
Beşiktaş Chapter: Loan and Permanent Transfer
João Mário joined Beşiktaş on loan on September 4, 2024, before the Turkish club secured his permanent transfer in January 2025. Since then, he has played 45 matches, scoring 10 goals and assisting 5, proving to be a valuable asset in the Turkish Süper Lig.