Last season’s Serie A Golden Boot winner Mateo Retegui has officially ended his stint at Atalanta, signing a four-year contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah.
Retegui Becomes Most Expensive Italian Player in History
Transfermarkt data reveals that Retegui’s transfer fee is a staggering €68.25 million (approximately RM337 million), establishing a new record for an Italian footballer. This blockbuster deal reflects Retegui’s rising market value and underscores the Saudi Pro League’s growing influence, as well as its aggressive pursuit of top-tier talent.
Although neither Al-Qadsiah nor Atalanta disclosed the exact fee, multiple Italian media outlets have confirmed that the final amount far exceeds €60 million. This figure eclipses the previous record set by Sandro Tonali, who moved to Newcastle in 2023 for €58.9 million.
Looking back at the history of high-profile Italian transfers, Jorginho’s €57 million switch from Napoli to Chelsea in 2018 was once considered a remarkable sum.
Even legendary figures like Gianluigi Buffon and Christian Vieri commanded fees exceeding €50 million in their prime, underscoring the longstanding market value of elite Italian players. Retegui’s move now marks a new milestone in this illustrious list.
Other recent high-fee Italian transfers include Riccardo Calafiori’s €45 million move to Arsenal and Marco Verratti’s €45 million deal with Al-Arabi SC.
Notably, players such as Federico Chiesa, Leonardo Bonucci, and Federico Bernardeschi have also commanded fees in the €40 million range, demonstrating Italy’s continued strength in the international market.
From Backup to Golden Boot
Retegui’s rapid rise has been truly remarkable. In the summer of 2023, he joined Atalanta from Genoa, initially as a backup to the injured Gianluca Scamacca. However, he quickly established himself as a mainstay in Bergamo, becoming an irreplaceable force in the attacking line.
Last season, Retegui featured in 34 Serie A matches, netting 25 goals to claim the Golden Boot. His lethal finishing and consistency were key to Atalanta securing a third-place finish and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.
Additionally, he contributed 6 goals and 2 assists in the UEFA Europa League, helping Atalanta reach the semi-finals.
On the international stage, Retegui has been representing Italy since 2022. He has earned 20 caps and scored 6 goals. Known for his clinical finishing, sharp positioning, and intelligent movement off the ball, he is widely regarded as one of the future pillars of the Azzurri attack.
Another Saudi Signing Signals League’s Global Ambition
Retegui’s arrival is one of the most high-profile transfers in Al-Qadsiah’s history. While the club has remained competitive in recent seasons, it has yet to establish itself among the elite teams in the Saudi Pro League.
This record-breaking move signals their ambition to push for higher rankings and potentially secure AFC Champions League qualification.
This deal, beyond setting a new benchmark for Italian players, also reflects a broader trend in the transfer market, where financial power and opportunity are increasingly drawing players away from traditional European strongholds.
