Al-Nassr clear way for Samu Costa move after transfer controls lifted

Samu Costa is set to become Al-Nassr’s first signing of the summer transfer window after the Saudi club’s financial restrictions were lifted.

Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah reported through its official account on X that financial monitoring imposed on Al-Nassr had been removed, allowing the club to register new players and complete deals for the forthcoming season.

The report also says the Riyadh-based side have already signed Costa from Real Mallorca. If completed as expected, the Portuguese midfielder will be Al-Nassr’s first addition of the current summer window.

Al-Nassr had reached an agreement with Real Mallorca to sign Costa for a reported €9m. Reports of the deal first emerged in July, but the Saudi club had been unable to formalise the transfer because of financial restrictions imposed by the Saudi Pro League.

Those restrictions were linked to the substantial debts held by the club, which prevented Al-Nassr from completing new registrations despite having agreed terms with Real Mallorca.

The lifting of the controls removes a significant obstacle for the transfer and allows Al-Nassr to move forward with its plans for the new campaign. Costa is expected to fill an important role in midfield following the departure of Croatia international Marcelo Brozovic.

Brozovic left Al-Nassr after his contract expired at the end of last season. Costa’s arrival would therefore provide the club with a replacement in the centre of the pitch as it prepares for the defence of its domestic title and another attempt to compete for honours in Asia.

Al-Nassr will begin the new season on Saturday, 15 August, when they face Al-Fateh in the opening round of the Roshn Saudi League.

The club are seeking to retain the Saudi league title they won last season, ending a seven-year wait for the championship. They also have ambitions of winning the AFC Champions League Elite for the first time in their history.

Costa’s move had become one of the clearest signs of Al-Nassr’s intended recruitment plans, but its completion had been delayed by the club’s financial situation. With the monitoring now lifted, the agreement with Real Mallorca can proceed and the midfielder can become the first player brought in by Al-Nassr during the current summer window.

The development also gives the club greater scope to prepare its squad before the opening fixture, with Costa expected to be considered as the successor to Brozovic in midfield.

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