Mateo Retegui Makes Historic €65 Million Move to Al Qadsiah

July 22, 2025 – Italian striker Mateo Retegui has completed a groundbreaking transfer from Atalanta to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah for a reported €65 million, marking the highest fee ever paid for an Italian player. The deal, finalized on July 21, includes a three-year contract with an annual salary of approximately €15 million, according to Italian media sources.Retegui, who emerged as Serie A’s top scorer in the 2024-25 season with 25 goals, spent just one year at Atalanta after joining from Genoa in 2024. His move to Saudi Arabia signals a new chapter in his career, following a meteoric rise from Argentine club Tigre to international stardom with Italy.

Atalanta expressed gratitude for his contributions, wishing him success in his future endeavors.The transfer underscores the growing financial power of the Saudi Pro League, backed by the Public Investment Fund’s $620 billion investment in sports. This deal follows a trend of high-profile moves to the region, with the league spending over $1 billion in the 2023 transfer window alone. Retegui’s arrival in Khobar is expected to bolster Al Qadsiah’s ambitions, raising questions about the evolving landscape of global football economics and player career trajectories.