Al-Nassr have agreed a deal to sign Real Mallorca midfielder Samu Costa, who is set to become the club’s first arrival of the current summer transfer window after the Saudi side’s financial restrictions were lifted.
Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah reported on its official X account that financial oversight had been removed from Al-Nassr, allowing the club to complete new signings ahead of the coming season.
The report added that Al-Nassr had already signed Samu Costa, bringing an end to the uncertainty around a transfer that had been delayed by the club’s financial situation. The Portugal midfielder is expected to strengthen the centre of the team following the departure of Marcelo Brozovic.
Al-Nassr had reached an agreement with Real Mallorca to sign Samu Costa for €9m during the current summer market, according to media reports. That agreement had been in place since July, but the Saudi club were unable to finalise the move officially while financial limitations imposed by the Saudi Pro League remained in force.
Those restrictions were linked to the significant debts affecting the club’s finances. With the oversight now lifted, Al-Nassr can proceed with recruitment for the new campaign and complete the move for the 24-year-old midfielder.
Samu Costa’s arrival is intended to address a major issue in midfield created by the departure of Marcelo Brozovic. The Croatia international left Al-Nassr after his contract expired at the end of last season, bringing his time at Al-Awwal Park to a close.
The deal would make Samu Costa the first signing of Al-Nassr’s summer business, after the club had been prevented from formally registering new players because of the financial measures imposed by the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Nassr begin the new season on Saturday, 15 August, when they face Al-Fateh in the opening round of the Saudi Pro League. The club will be seeking to retain the league title they won last season, ending a seven-year wait for the championship.
They will also target success in the AFC Champions League Elite, with the club aiming to win the competition for the first time in its history.
The completion of the agreement with Samu Costa therefore gives Al-Nassr a significant early boost as they prepare for both domestic and continental challenges. The midfielder’s move from Real Mallorca had initially been held up by the club’s financial problems, despite the two sides having agreed terms for the transfer. With the restrictions removed, Al-Nassr are now able to make the signing official and continue preparing their squad for the new season.