RCD Mallorca are set to complete their most lucrative sale in club history with Samu Costa’s move to Al Nassr. The Portuguese international midfielder, who featured at the recent World Cup with Portugal, will leave Son Moix for around €25 million -a figure that shatters the club’s previous record, set by Vedat Muriqi in 2024- to team up with Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix in Saudi Arabia.
What happened with Samu Costa and Mallorca?
The deal, confirmed by outlets including Fabrizio Romano, follows weeks of talks and comes after Mallorca’s relegation to Segunda División last season. Costa, signed from UD Almería in 2023 -a move that included a 20% sell-on clause for the Andalusian side, netting them €4–5M- has been instrumental in the Balearic club’s financial rebuild. His departure gives Mallorca vital liquidity to reshape the squad this summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence proved decisive. Costa trained alongside the Al Nassr captain during Portugal’s World Cup camp, where the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reportedly tipped the scales. "The chance to play alongside a legend like CR7 and the financial leap outweighed European offers," said a Mallorca executive who asked to remain anonymous.
Why this sale matters for RCD Mallorca
Mallorca kick off their Segunda campaign with one goal: promotion. After selling key players like Pablo Maffeo, Cyle Larin, Leo Román and Vedat Muriqi, the club has already banked over €50M in transfer income this window. Samu Costa’s €25M exit -funds earmarked for new signings and wages- marks a turning point for a side currently 18th in La Liga with 42 points from 38 games (11 wins, 9 draws, 18 losses).
The team ended the season with 47 goals scored and 57 conceded (goal difference of -10) and now needs to bolster its ranks with young, promising talent. Costa’s departure arrives as Mallorca push to stabilize the squad for an immediate push back to the top flight. "It’s a necessary step to return to La Liga," a club spokesperson admitted.
What’s next after Samu Costa’s exit?
Mallorca still faces Jan Virgili’s future, with talks over a new deal expected in the coming days. Meanwhile, the sporting director’s office is scouting midfield reinforcements to fill Costa’s void, prioritizing experience in Segunda while keeping finances sustainable.
UD Almería, which benefits from the sell-on clause, has already pocketed €4–5M. For Mallorca, the challenge now is reinvesting those funds without jeopardizing the sporting project. The side, on a recent WLLDW run across five matches, faces a decisive summer to regain top-flight status.
