Italian striker Mateo Retegui has completed a high-profile transfer from Atalanta to Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah, signing a four-year contract. While the clubs did not disclose the exact financial terms, reports from Italian media estimate the transfer fee to be approximately €65 million, making Retegui the most expensive Italian player in history.
Retegui, 26, joined Atalanta from Genoa just a season ago, stepping in to replace the injured Gianluca Scamacca. In his debut season with Atalanta, he made an immediate impact, scoring 25 goals in 36 Serie A appearances and contributing eight assists. His impressive performance not only secured him the Capocannoniere title as Serie A’s top scorer but also played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s third-place finish in the league.
Internationally, Retegui has represented Italy since 2023, earning six goals in 20 appearances. His dual heritage—born in Argentina to Italian grandparents—allowed him to choose between representing Argentina or Italy. He made his international debut for Italy in March 2023, scoring in his first two competitive matches.
Al-Qadsiah’s acquisition of Retegui comes after the departure of Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who scored 21 goals in 36 appearances during his single season at the club. The Saudi club is reportedly offering Retegui a lucrative contract, with annual earnings of €20 million, significantly higher than his previous salary at Atalanta.
This move underscores the growing financial influence of the Saudi Pro League, as clubs like Al-Qadsiah continue to attract top talent from European football. Retegui’s transfer is part of a broader trend of high-profile signings in the league, reflecting its ambition to elevate the standard of football in the region.
Atalanta, having secured a substantial transfer fee, is now looking to reinvest in their squad. Reports suggest that the club is considering potential replacements, including Italian strikers Lorenzo Lucca and Giacomo Raspadori, to bolster their attacking options for the upcoming season.
Retegui’s departure marks the end of a brief but impactful tenure at Atalanta, where he quickly became a key figure in their offensive lineup. His move to Al-Qadsiah represents a significant step in his career, offering new challenges and opportunities in the competitive environment of the Saudi Pro League.
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