Saudi club AlQadsiah pulled off a major signing on Monday evening when they landed Italian striker Mateo Retegui, in one of the biggest deals in the club’s history.
The 26-year-old joined Atalanta BC in 2024 and finished last season as Serie A’s top scorer with 25 goals. Over his career, he has made 241 appearances, scoring 84 goals and providing 20 assists across all competitions.
Memories captured, and the journey begins ❤️🎥#AlQadsiah | #ReteguiQadsawi pic.twitter.com/FFgkD4tbI4
— AlQadsiah Saudi Club (@AlQadsiahEN) July 21, 2025
According to Transfermarkt, Retegui was valued at €45 million, but AlQadsiah paid a reported €68 million to secure his signature.
Reports suggest the Saudi club made a tempting offer of €20 million per season – nine times up from €2.2 million per year at Atalanta. The striker has signed a four-year deal running until the summer of 2029, potentially earning him €80 million.
The move is seen as a major deal for both Al-Qadisiyah and Retegui, though fans’ reactions were divided. One fan commented: “He’s a flop, honestly not worth €60 million.”
Another replied: “Top scorer in Serie A – the toughest defensive league in the world – and you’re calling him a flop?”
A third added: “Honestly, a great choice. A huge signing and a masterstroke – Retegui is a deadly striker, young and a natural goal-scorer. Congrats to Al-Qadisiyah! A top-class striker, he is way better than Aubameyang. He walks with confidence – like a king.”
