Atalanta’s Retegui Sold to Al Qadsiah for Record €68.25M

Record-Breaking Deal for Retegui

Mateo Retegui has officially left Atalanta to join Saudi club Al Qadsiah. The transfer was confirmed on Sunday evening, with a total fee of €68.25 million. This move sets a new benchmark, making Retegui the most expensive Italian player ever sold, surpassing Sandro Tonali’s €64 million move to Newcastle in 2023.

From Genoa to Saudi Arabia

Retegui first arrived in Italy in 2023, signing for Genoa. A year later, Atalanta brought him in, and he quickly became a star. In just one season, he was the top scorer in Serie A and played a key role in the club’s return to the Champions League. His impact was both immediate and decisive.

Atalanta’s Farewell Statement

Atalanta released a statement acknowledging the player’s contribution: “Acquired from Genoa in August 2024, Mateo Retegui found in Atalanta and Bergamo the perfect environment to enjoy the best season of his career. After a year, he has chosen to start a new professional chapter with Al Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia. The club thanks Mateo for his extraordinary efforts and wishes him well for the future.”

A Personal Message to the Fans

Retegui also shared a farewell message on social media. “Dear Atalanta fans, thank you for all the love and support throughout this incredible year. It was an honor to wear this shirt. I’ll always carry the memories and your kindness with me,” he wrote on Instagram. His message quickly received thousands of comments and likes from fans and teammates alike.

Saudi League’s Growing Influence

This move highlights the financial strength of the Saudi Pro League. Al Qadsiah, recently promoted and well-funded, targeted Retegui as a marquee signing to lead their project. The record-breaking deal underlines how attractive the Saudi market has become, even for top European talent in their prime.

Retegui’s Place in Italian Football History

In the span of two years, Retegui went from being a newcomer at Genoa to a Serie A top scorer and a record-setting transfer. While his stay in Italy was brief, he has left a lasting mark. His move to Al Qadsiah will be remembered not only for the fee involved but also for the legacy he built in such a short time.