For 65 million: Retegui leaves Atalanta

Off to the desert: Mateo Retegui. IMAGO/Buzzi

In the summer of 2024, Mateo Retegui moved from Genoa to Bergamo and made an immediate impact. With 28 goals in 27 games, he led Bergamo to third place and thus into the Champions League. However, the 26-year-old will no longer play for Atalanta in the premier class – the petrodollars from the sheikhdom were too tempting.

Al-Qadisiya is reportedly putting down a reported €65 million for the striker, born in San Fernando, Argentina. A huge sum for a player who's just had a truly strong season in Serie A. Retegui is sweetening his move with an extremely generous salary, reportedly €20 million per year, according to Italian media reports. And since he's signed for three years, that's a total of another €60 million for the Saudis.

Retegui, an Italian international since 2023 and currently boasting 20 appearances and six goals for the Squadra Azzurra, becomes the second-most expensive sale in Atalanta's history. Only Rasmus Höjlund, who joined Manchester United in 2023 for €75 million plus bonuses, fetched more.

In Al-Khobar, Retegui will face other players who have already made a name for themselves in Europe, such as former Real Madrid defender Nacho and former Wolfsburg goalkeeper Koen Casteels . However, Retegui will not be able to meet former Dortmund player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang , as his contract was recently terminated, likely in part to make room for Retegui in attack. Aubameyang, however, is reportedly on the verge of a move to Olympique Marseille.