Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah have completed the high-profile signing of Italy international striker Mateo Retegui from Serie A side Atalanta, the clubs confirmed on Monday.
The deal, reported by Italian media to be worth in the region of €65 million ($76 million), makes the 26-year-old the most expensive Italian footballer in history. Retegui has signed a four-year contract with the Saudi club.
The move comes after a single, prolific season for Retegui at Atalanta. Signed from Genoa as a replacement for the injured Gianluca Scamacca, he exceeded all expectations, scoring 25 league goals to win the Serie A Golden Boot and help his team to a third-place finish.
“The Percassi family, the Pagliuca family and the entire Nerazzurri club sincerely thank Mateo for the extraordinary contribution he made last season and wish him the best for the continuation of his sporting career and for his future,” Atalanta said in a statement.
Retegui’s arrival at Al-Qadsiah is a major statement of intent from the club as they look to build on a fourth-place finish in the league last season. He will be tasked with replacing former Arsenal and Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who left the club last week after just one season in which he scored 21 goals.
The Argentine-born Retegui, who qualifies for Italy through his grandparents, has become a key player for the national team since his debut in 2023, scoring six goals in 20 appearances for the Azzurri.
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