Nasr close in on Mallorca’s Samu Costa as Brozovic successor in surprise move

Al Nassr have opened talks to sign Real Mallorca midfielder Samu Costa in a surprise move that would make the Portuguese star the club’s first summer signing and direct replacement for Marcelo Brozovic.

The Saudi Pro League side, who confirmed Brozovic’s departure at the end of last season following three years at Al Awwal Park, have turned to the 25-year-old after a period of transfer inactivity driven by financial constraints.

According to highly regarded Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Al Nassr have entered advanced negotiations with Mallorca over a permanent deal for Costa, who has emerged as a key target for the Riyadh club.

Leipzig beaten to midfielder’s signature

Romano reported on X that RB Leipzig had already submitted a formal bid for Costa, seeking to bring him to the Bundesliga this summer.

However, the Portuguese midfielder is said to have given his approval to a move to Saudi Arabia instead, choosing to join the Saudi giants over the German side.

The deal is now being discussed between Al Nassr and Real Mallorca, with talks ongoing to finalise the transfer. If completed, Costa will step directly into the role vacated by Brozovic at the heart of Al Nassr’s midfield.

Club officials see Costa as the long-term replacement for the Croatian, whose contract expired at the end of the previous campaign.

First signing amid financial squeeze

The move for Costa would represent Al Nassr’s first signing of the current transfer window.

The Riyadh club have yet to add any new players to their squad this summer, amid reports of a financial squeeze that has limited their activity in the market despite their status as one of Saudi Arabia’s most high-profile teams.

Securing Costa would therefore be a significant statement of intent as Al Nassr look to refresh their squad around captain Cristiano Ronaldo and continue to compete for domestic and continental honours.

La Liga experience at a premium

Samu Costa has built much of his career in Spain, earning a reputation as a hard-working, combative midfielder with strong tactical discipline.

He first made his name at UD Almeria, where he played from 2020 to 2023, helping the club establish themselves in La Liga before earning a move to Real Mallorca.

At Mallorca, Costa has continued to develop, featuring regularly in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues and attracting attention from clubs across the continent.

His familiarity with high-intensity football and experience in Spain’s top flight are understood to be key reasons behind Al Nassr’s interest, as they seek a midfielder capable of dictating play and contributing defensively.

International links to Ronaldo

On the international stage, Costa’s career has already intersected with that of Al Nassr’s star man.

He began his journey with Portugal’s senior national team alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, now his potential club captain, in October 2024. Since then he has made seven appearances for his country.

The 25-year-old was called up to Portugal’s squad for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He featured only once at the tournament, coming off the bench for 20 minutes in a goalless draw against Colombia in the third round of the group stage.

If the transfer is completed, Costa would link up again with Ronaldo in Riyadh, adding an international understanding to Al Nassr’s midfield.

Negotiations between Al Nassr and Real Mallorca are continuing, with the Saudi club hopeful of closing the deal and ushering in a new era in midfield after Brozovic’s exit.