Italian media reports suggest that Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah has reached an agreement with Atalanta to acquire Italy international striker Mateo Retegui for an astounding €70 million transfer fee.
The deal was reportedly finalized around 17:30 BST, though some sources claim the fee may be closer to €65 million. If completed, this would become Atalanta`s second most expensive player sale ever, behind only Rasmus Hojlund`s €75 million (plus bonuses) move to Manchester United in 2023.
Retegui only joined Atalanta last summer in a €28 million transfer from Genoa. He went on to win the Serie A golden boot with 25 goals in 36 appearances this past season, outscoring runner-up Moise Kean by 6 goals.
The 26-year-old Argentine-born forward is now set to depart Serie A after just two seasons, having scored 7 goals in 29 games for Genoa in 2023-24 following his move from Argentina. Sources indicate Retegui has already agreed to personal terms with Al-Qadsiah on a lucrative €20 million per year contract.
This marks another high-profile departure from Serie A to the Saudi Pro League, as more clubs flex their financial muscle to attract top talent from Europe`s elite leagues. For Atalanta, the massive windfall provides significant funds to reinvest, though replacing Retegui`s goalscoring production will be a major challenge.