In a development highlighting the significant financial influence of the Saudi Pro League, Italy international striker Mateo Retegui has reportedly taken a decisive step towards a potential move, agreeing to personal terms with Al-Qadsiah.
Sources familiar with the situation confirm that the Atalanta forward has accepted a contract offer from the Saudi club that is reported to be worth an astonishing €20 million per year. This figure underscores the scale of the financial packages being offered to attract talent from top European leagues.
Following his agreement on personal terms, Retegui is understood to have formally communicated his desire to leave current club Atalanta this summer. This signals his readiness to embrace the opportunity presented by Al-Qadsiah and the Saudi Pro League.
While the player`s side of the deal appears settled, negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing. Earlier reports indicated that Al-Qadsiah had submitted a bid in the region of €53 million for the striker`s services. However, Atalanta, known for their pragmatic approach in the transfer market, are reportedly holding out for a higher valuation, believed to be closer to €60 million.
Discussions are expected to intensify shortly as Al-Qadsiah aims to bridge the valuation gap. It is anticipated that the final agreement might include performance-related bonuses or other clauses to satisfy Atalanta`s demands and secure the transfer of the Italy international.
Retegui`s potential departure from Serie A comes after a relatively brief period in Italian football. He initially made his mark during a season at Genoa before joining Atalanta. Across his tenure in Italy`s top flight with both clubs, he has registered a commendable record of 32 goals in 65 Serie A appearances. His form in Italy also earned him recognition on the international stage, where he has scored 6 goals in 20 caps for the Italian national team.
The unfolding transfer saga is another clear illustration of the economic power dynamics currently at play in global football. The financial incentives offered by clubs like Al-Qadsiah present players with career options that are often financially unprecedented when compared to opportunities in traditional European leagues. For Retegui, this move, if completed, would represent a significant inflection point in his career trajectory, shifting from the competitive landscape of Serie A to a new challenge in the Middle East, buoyed by a substantial contract.
