Retegui joins Al-Qadsiah in record £56m deal

Mateo Retegui, last season's Serie A top scorer, has completed a high-profile transfer from Atalanta to Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah in a record-breaking deal.

According to Italian media reports, the Saudi club has paid over £56 million to secure the services of the 26-year-old striker, who has signed a four-year contract with his new team.

This transfer fee makes Retegui the most expensive Italian player in history, surpassing Sandro Tonali's £55m move to Newcastle from AC Milan in 2023.

Player Profile

Born in Argentina but representing Italy internationally, Retegui joined Atalanta last summer from Genoa. In his debut season, he made an immediate impact, scoring 25 league goals in 36 appearances to help the club secure a third-place finish.

The striker made his international debut for Italy in 2023, scoring against England in a 2-1 defeat. To date, he has netted 6 goals in 20 appearances for the Azzurri.

Club Statements

Atalanta released an official statement: "The Percassi family, the Pagliuca family and the entire Nerazzurri club sincerely thank Mateo for his extraordinary contributions last season. We wish him the best for his sporting career and future endeavors."

About Al-Qadsiah

The Saudi club finished fourth in last season's Pro League. Retegui will effectively replace veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who recently departed the club after spells with Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea.

The 36-year-old Gabonese international is reportedly close to joining French Ligue 1 side Marseille after leaving Al-Qadsiah last week.