Al Nassr Sign Samu Costa from Mallorca

Al Nassr, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, have completed the permanent signing of Portuguese defensive midfielder Samu Costa from Spanish club RCD Mallorca. The move was finalized on 9 August 2026, with the player registered for the club from the 2026–27 season onward on a contract that runs to June 2030 — a deal of about four years.

The signing strengthens Al Nassr's midfield options as the club looks to defend its league title. Costa arrives after several weeks of delay between the two clubs reaching an agreement in July 2026 and the formal registration and announcement in August, once Saudi football's financial and registration regulations had been satisfied.

Publicly reported transfer figures differ. Some accounts put the fee at around €9 million (roughly SAR 36–37 million) paid in two instalments, while others indicate Al Nassr triggered a €22 million buyout clause (approximately SAR 88–90 million). Earlier speculation of a possible €25 million deal has not been confirmed as the final figure.

One detailed breakdown values the overall package at around €42 million — a €22 million transfer fee plus roughly €20 million in gross salary over the four-year contract, or about €5 million a year (near SAR 19–20 million annually). On that basis, the indicative combined annual technical cost for the club, excluding bonuses and image rights, sits at roughly SAR 41–43 million

The transfer was facilitated under the Saudi Pro League Recruitment Programme, which in this case reportedly covered the full transfer cost and used up Al Nassr's remaining allocation for the summer window. For fans and residents following the league, the addition signals continued investment in high-profile talent as the competition grows in stature and appeal across the Kingdom.

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