Samu Costa says Mallorca goodbyes as Al Nassr close in on Portugal midfielder

Al Nassr are on the verge of signing Portugal midfielder Samu Costa from Real Mallorca, with the player reported to have said farewell to his team-mates in Spain ahead of a move to the Saudi Pro League club.

Saudi outlet Al Riyadiah reports that Costa has taken the first formal steps towards joining Al Nassr, who are seeking a replacement for Croatia international Marcelo Brozovic after his contract with the Riyadh side expired at the end of last season.

According to the same report, Al Nassr have reached an agreement to bring in the 23-year-old following competition from newly promoted Al Diriyah, whose coach Bruno Lage had identified the midfielder as a key target.

Costa, who has been with Real Mallorca in La Liga, is now expected to complete his transfer once final details are finalised between the clubs.

Financial clearance secured

Al Riyadiah adds that Al Nassr have completed the paperwork required to obtain a financial efficiency certificate, a prerequisite for Saudi clubs looking to register new signings.

The certificate, issued under domestic regulations, confirms that a club has met specific financial obligations and allows it to complete incoming transfers.

Securing that document is understood to have been a crucial step for Al Nassr before advancing in negotiations for Costa and any other potential recruits.

Quiet summer so far for Al Nassr

Al Nassr have yet to make a single signing in the current summer window.

Their squad has already been weakened by the departure of Brozovic, who left upon the expiry of his deal, prompting the club to move for a central midfielder capable of filling the void in the middle of the pitch.

Costa, a defensive midfielder, is seen as a direct replacement for the former Inter Milan player, although no details have yet emerged regarding the length of any proposed contract or the value of the transfer.

New era under Postecoglou

The move for Costa comes as Al Nassr begin a new chapter under Australian coach Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou has taken charge following the exit of Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus, who has recently been appointed head coach of the Portugal national team.

The change in the dugout places added significance on Al Nassr’s transfer business this summer, with Costa likely to be one of the first key additions of the Postecoglou era if the deal is finalised.

Real Mallorca have not commented publicly on Costa’s situation, but his reported farewell to team-mates suggests his spell in Spain is close to an end as Al Nassr push to complete the transfer.