Samu Costa signing gives Al-Nassr summer transfer window lift

Al-Nassr have ended uncertainty over their ability to complete signings this summer by officially announcing the arrival of Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa.

The Saudi Arabian club had been unable to make new additions since the start of the transfer window because of a financial crisis. However, Al-Nassr have now obtained the necessary Financial Efficiency Certificate and settled all outstanding matters, allowing them to confirm Costa’s signing.

The announcement was made through Al-Nassr’s official account on X, where the club published a video presenting the Portugal international as a warrior.

Costa’s move to Al-Nassr had been expected for some time. Reports in July said the club had reached an agreement with Real Mallorca to sign the midfielder for €9m during the current summer transfer window.

The deal represents a significant development for Al-Nassr after concerns emerged that the club might struggle to complete even one transfer before the window closed. Those concerns were linked to the financial problems that had prevented the club from registering new players and conducting business at the beginning of the market.

With the financial requirements now met, Costa becomes the first signing confirmed by Al-Nassr in the circumstances described by the club and local reports. His arrival also gives the side an additional midfield option ahead of the new campaign.

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

The club are aiming to defend the Saudi league title they won last season, ending a seven-year wait for the championship. They will also be targeting success in the AFC Champions League Elite, a competition they have never won.

Costa joins Al-Nassr at a time when the club’s ambitions extend beyond domestic football. Retaining the league crown would reinforce their position in Saudi Arabia, while lifting the continental title for the first time would represent a landmark achievement in the club’s history.

The announcement therefore brings an end to the immediate transfer uncertainty surrounding Al-Nassr and confirms a deal that had been reported since July. It also comes shortly before the team’s opening league fixture against Al-Fateh, as the club prepare to compete on both the domestic and Asian stages.