Serie A Top Scorer Signs Four-Year Contract in Blockbuster Saudi Pro League Move
Al-Qadsiah have officially confirmed the blockbuster signing of Italian striker Mateo Retegui from Atalanta in a deal worth €65 million plus add-ons, potentially making him the most expensive Italian player in football history. The 26-year-old Serie A top scorer has signed a four-year contract with the Saudi Pro League side, earning a staggering €20 million per year in what represents one of the most significant transfers of the summer window.
Al-Qadsiah FC made the official announcement on Monday, confirming that Retegui has joined the club on a permanent transfer until 2028. The Italian striker arrived from Atalanta following an extended negotiation process that saw multiple bids rejected before the Saudi club finally met La Dea’s valuation demands.
The transfer fee structure has been reported as €65 million plus performance-related add-ons, with some sources suggesting the total package could reach €70 million. This astronomical fee represents a record-breaking investment for Al-Qadsiah and potentially establishes Retegui as the most expensive Italian player in transfer history.
The financial package includes a remarkable €20 million annual salary for the striker, showing a six-fold increase from his earnings at Atalanta. This lucrative contract demonstrates the Saudi Pro League’s continued commitment to attracting world-class talent through unprecedented financial offers.
Negotiation Process and Timeline
The transfer saga began several weeks ago when Al-Qadsiah first expressed interest in Serie A’s leading goalscorer. Initial negotiations proved challenging, with Atalanta rejecting multiple offers as they sought to maximize the return on their investment in the Italian international.
Atalanta initially turned down a €53 million bid from the Saudi club, with La Dea setting their asking price at €60 million. However, Al-Qadsiah’s persistence eventually paid off as they increased their offer to meet and exceed Atalanta’s valuation, ultimately securing the deal at €65 million plus add-ons.
The breakthrough came when Retegui personally accepted Al-Qadsiah’s contract offer and informed Atalanta of his desire to leave the club this summer. The striker’s decision to push for the move was instrumental in finalizing the negotiations between the two clubs.
Recent reports confirmed that Retegui flew to Saudi Arabia last week to complete the final formalities of his transfer. This trip marked the culmination of weeks of negotiations and positioned the striker to undergo medical examinations and sign his lucrative contract with Al-Qadsiah.
Player Profile and Serie A Success
Mateo Retegui’s move to Saudi Arabia comes on the back of an exceptional 2024-25 Serie A campaign where he finished as the league’s top scorer. His prolific goalscoring record throughout the season established him as one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers and justified the massive investment from Al-Qadsiah.
The 26-year-old Italian international has shown consistent quality at the highest level of European football, combining clinical finishing with intelligent movement in the penalty area. His ability to score goals regularly in Serie A, one of the world’s most competitive leagues, provides strong evidence of his capability to succeed at international level.
Retegui’s development at Atalanta under Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical system has enhanced his all-around game, making him not just a goalscorer but a complete forward capable of contributing to team play. This versatility and proven track record at European level make him an ideal marquee signing for Al-Qadsiah’s ambitious project.
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Strategic Impact for Al-Qadsiah
The acquisition of Retegui is a statement of intent from Al-Qadsiah as they look to establish themselves among the Saudi Pro League’s elite clubs. The record-breaking transfer fee demonstrates their willingness to invest heavily in world-class talent to achieve their sporting ambitions.
Retegui’s signing addresses a key area of need for Al-Qadsiah, particularly following the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Italian striker’s arrival provides the club with a proven goalscorer capable of leading their attack in both domestic and potential continental competitions.
The move also enhances the Saudi Pro League’s growing reputation as a destination for top-tier European talent. By securing a player of Retegui’s caliber at the peak of his career, Al-Qadsiah contributed to the league’s continued elevation in global football circles.
The €20 million annual salary places Retegui among the highest-paid players in world football, highlighting the Saudi Pro League’s ability to compete financially with Europe’s top clubs for elite talent. This salary structure sets a new benchmark for player compensation in the Saudi league.
International Career Considerations
As an Italian international, Retegui’s move to Saudi Arabia raises questions about his continued involvement with the national team. The striker will need to maintain his high performance levels in a different competitive environment to retain his place in Italy’s squad for major tournaments.
The precedent set by other players who have maintained international careers while playing in Saudi Arabia suggests that consistent performance at club level remains the primary criterion for national team selection.
Long-term Project and Ambitions
Al-Qadsiah’s investment in Retegui aligns with their broader vision of establishing themselves as a major force in both Saudi and Asian football. The four-year contract provides stability for both player and club while offering sufficient time to achieve good sporting success.
The striker’s experience and proven goalscoring ability position him as a potential catalyst for Al-Qadsiah’s future ambitions, both domestically in the Saudi Pro League and potentially in continental competitions such as the AFC Champions League.
