Al Nassr financial crisis eased as club prepares to make first summer signing

Al Nassr have overcome the financial crisis that had prevented them from signing players this summer, with restrictions on the Saudi club now lifted before the transfer window closes.

The club had not completed a deal during the current summer window, despite reaching an agreement with Samu Costa, the Portuguese midfielder at Real Mallorca. Financial restrictions imposed on Al Nassr had delayed the move and limited the club’s ability to strengthen its squad.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, those restrictions have now been removed after Al Nassr addressed its financial problems. The development means the club can proceed with new signings before the end of the summer transfer market.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns 75% of Al Nassr, is understood to have taken several measures to resolve the situation within a short period.

One part of the process involved using recently agreed commercial contracts with two companies. The club also reorganised its existing and future financial commitments, a move intended to improve financial stability and support the long-term sustainability of its operations.

The PIF brought in specialist consultancy firms to help improve Al Nassr’s financial, administrative, legal and commercial structures. Their work was aimed at ensuring the club followed stronger financial governance practices, while also improving spending efficiency and supporting sustainable finances.

Al Nassr subsequently provided the relevant regulatory authorities with the guarantees required to demonstrate that it could manage spending effectively. The club also submitted plans for restructuring its financial obligations to strengthen its stability and maintain the sustainability of its business.

The Saudi side is currently working to provide the remaining documents requested by the relevant authorities under the applicable regulations. That process is intended to allow Al Nassr to complete its preparations for the coming season and finalise new signings.

Samu Costa is expected to become Al Nassr’s first summer recruit. Reports say the club agreed a deal with Real Mallorca to sign the midfielder for 9m euros in July.

The transfer was one of the moves affected by the financial restrictions, but the lifting of those measures should allow the agreement to be completed before the window shuts.

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 aiming to retain the Saudi league title after ending a seven-year wait to win it last season. They will also seek to claim the AFC Champions League Elite for the first time in their history.