Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah have completed the high-profile signing of Italian striker Mateo Retegui from Atalanta, the club confirmed on Monday.
The move sees last season’s Serie A top scorer depart European football after a sensational goal-scoring campaign.
According to Italian media reports, Al-Qadsiah paid over €60 million ($70 million) for the 26-year-old forward, though the terms and duration of his contract remain undisclosed. The announcement marks another major coup for the ambitious Saudi club as they continue to attract top-tier European talent.
Retegui, who was born in Argentina but represents Italy internationally, netted 25 goals in the 2024–25 Serie A season after joining Atalanta the previous year. His prolific form quickly earned him the nickname “El Matador,” a moniker Al-Qadsiah proudly used in their unveiling post on social media: “El Matador. Al Qadsiah’s new power.”
The Italian international is expected to fill the void left by former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is reportedly on the verge of completing a move back to Ligue 1 club Marseille.
Retegui’s transfer is part of the broader Saudi strategy to lure world-class players to the Middle East and enhance the competitiveness and visibility of their domestic league. For Atalanta, his departure represents a significant loss after a breakout season, though the transfer fee offers a massive windfall.
What you should know
Mateo Retegui, a dual-national of Argentina and Italy, chose to represent the Azzurri on the international stage. Known for his physical presence, sharp finishing, and attacking intelligence, he quickly became one of Serie A’s most lethal strikers.
His move to Al-Qadsiah underlines Saudi Arabia’s ongoing investment in elite football talent to bolster the country’s league profile on the global stage.
