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Al-Nassr has reportedly cleared the obstacle that previously hindered its summer transfer plans, paving the way for immediate squad improvements. This significant breakthrough brings Samu Costa’s highly anticipated transfer from Mallorca to join Cristiano Ronaldo significantly closer to completion.
The timing could hardly be more important for Al-Nassr. The club is preparing for the start of a new campaign in which it will be expected to defend its Saudi league crown while also challenging for the AFC Champions League Elite, and strengthening the midfield has been one of its priorities.
For several weeks, however, the club’s recruitment plans had been complicated by circumstances away from the pitch. An agreement for Costa had reportedly been reached in July, but the Saudi side was unable to formally complete the transfer while it worked through a regulatory process connected to its finances.
Al-Nassr finally clears the path for new signings
According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, Al-Nassr has completed the procedures required to end the financial monitoring imposed on the club, allowing it to move forward with registering new players and completing transfers for the upcoming season.
The report indicates that the club has submitted the necessary documentation to the relevant authorities as it works toward formally lifting the remaining restrictions. That development represents a major breakthrough for Al-Nassr, which had effectively been prevented from turning previously agreed transfer deals into official registrations.
The process has reportedly involved the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Al-Nassr Club Company and the restructuring of existing financial commitments. New commercial agreements with HUMAIN and Aroya Cruise Saudi have also reportedly formed part of the measures used to strengthen the club’s financial position.
Specialized consulting firms were brought in to help Al-Nassr improve its financial, administrative, legal and commercial operations. The broader aim has been to establish tighter spending controls and create a more sustainable structure for the club moving forward.
The $280 million hurdle finally comes into focus
The scale of the problem becomes clearer when looking at the figures involved. Al-Nassr accumulated liabilities exceeding 800 million Saudi riyals, with estimates placing the overall burden at around $280 million, creating serious complications for the club’s ability to operate freely in the transfer market.
Reports cited by various outlets linked the financial pressure to years of aggressive spending, major player salaries and expensive recruitment. Cristiano Ronaldo’s enormous contract has inevitably been part of the discussion, although it would be unfair to attribute the club’s entire financial situation to the Portuguese superstar.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr lifts the Saudi Pro League Trophy
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2023 after leaving Manchester United, and his arrival transformed the Saudi football landscape. His presence helped attract other global stars to the league and gave Al-Nassr unprecedented worldwide visibility, but his reported earnings have also made the club’s wage bill considerably heavier.
Reports have claimed that the superstar has earned around $625 million in wages during his time at Al-Nassr, although figures surrounding player contracts and commercial arrangements can vary between sources. The club has also invested heavily in other high-profile players, adding further pressure to its finances.
The Saudi club’s situation eventually led to intervention from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which placed greater scrutiny on its financial operations and restricted spending that lacked sufficient backing. The restructuring process has now apparently reached a stage where Al-Nassr can return to the transfer market with fewer restrictions.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy.
Samu Costa move can finally move forward
That breakthrough directly affects the future of Samu Costa, who is now expected to become Al-Nassr’s first signing of the summer transfer window. Reports indicate that the club reached an agreement with Real Mallorca for the Portuguese midfielder for a fee between $10.4 million and $22 million.
The deal had been held up because Al-Nassr could not formally register the player while the financial restrictions remained in place. With those restrictions now lifted, Costa’s transfer can finally be completed, and the midfielder can join the squad’s preparations for the new season.
Cristiano Ronaldo #7 and Samu Costa #24 during Portugal’s training session.
Al-Riyadiyah reported that the midfielder has already received the necessary approvals and is set to participate in Al-Nassr’s training sessions. Costa’s arrival would give the club an important new option in midfield after Marcelo Brozovic departed when his contract expired at the end of last season.
The 25-year-old Portuguese midfielder therefore arrives at a particularly important moment. Al-Nassr needs to maintain the quality of its midfield while simultaneously managing a squad built around one of football’s biggest stars.
And for Ronaldo, the development provides another reason for optimism. With the $280 million financial hurdle apparently cleared and Costa edging closer, Al-Nassr can finally concentrate on building the squad it needs for another season of domestic and continental ambitions.
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