Mateo Retegui Completes €65 Million Move to Al Qadsiah

Striker Mateo Retegui has completed his medical and finalized a high-profile transfer from Atalanta to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah for a fee of €65 million, as confirmed by a previous report.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Mateo Retegui arrived in Saudi Arabia and successfully finished his medical checks before officially signing for Al Qadsiah. The Italian-Argentine forward leaves Atalanta after a standout season, having scored 25 goals in 36 Serie A games, and will begin a new chapter in the Saudi Pro League. His presentation as a new Al Qadsiah player is expected shortly, with club officials confident he will play a key role in their domestic and continental ambitions this season.

IMPACT ON ATALANTA AND AL QADSIAH

Retegui was instrumental in Atalanta’s 2024/25 campaign, scoring 25 goals and providing 4 assists in 36 Serie A matches, helping the club secure a Champions League spot with a 3rd-place finish last season, according to a verified source. His departure leaves a significant gap in Atalanta’s attack as they prepare for both European and domestic competitions.

Al Qadsiah, meanwhile, makes a major statement in the transfer market. Last season, they finished mid-table in the Saudi Pro League and are aiming to break into the top three. They finished the season in 4th, 2 points behind Al Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, and 1 ahead of Al Ahli who finished in 5th place, making Retegui’s arrival crucial for their upward push. The club is reportedly targeting a more competitive position this season and will have their first test against Al Hilal on the 20th of August for the Saudi Super-cup semifinals.

WHAT’S NEXT?

With the team’s current standing, every point is vital in their chase for Asian Champions League qualification. Atalanta, meanwhile, must quickly identify a replacement forward ahead of the Serie A kickoff next month and count on emerging talent to fill the attacking void left by Retegui’s departure and Lookman’s apparent exit as he agrees terms with Inter Milan as recently reported. Both teams face pivotal periods that will reveal whether this blockbuster transfer delivers the impact both sides are hoping for.