Football transfers often involve complex negotiations, strategic decisions, and, frequently, eye-watering sums of money. The potential move of striker Mateo Retegui from Atalanta to Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah appears to embody all three elements, with the deal reportedly nearing completion.
For Retegui, born in 1999, the temptation from the Middle East proved overwhelmingly strong. Al-Qadsiah`s offer is nothing short of life-altering: a reported annual salary of approximately €20 million. This figure represents roughly ten times his current earnings at Atalanta, a financial proposition that is, from a purely technical standpoint, exceptionally difficult for any player to decline, regardless of league prestige or declared affection for his current surroundings.
The player is now understandably pushing for the transfer, and Atalanta, while initially perhaps hesitant to lose their top scorer from last season (28 goals in 49 appearances during his sole campaign in Bergamo), is becoming increasingly receptive to the idea. The financial terms proposed for the club are equally compelling.
Al-Qadsiah has tabled an offer of €65 million. Atalanta, known for their shrewdness in the transfer market and typically firm valuations, are holding out for €70 million. This €5 million difference is considered minimal in the context of such a large deal and is widely expected to be bridged through performance-related bonuses, bringing the clubs to the brink of final agreement.
From Atalanta`s perspective, this sale represents a significant financial coup. Retegui was acquired from Genoa just last August for a reported fee of €20.9 million plus €3 million in potential bonuses. A sale at €65-70 million would net the club a capital gain of approximately €40 million. This transaction would rank as Atalanta`s second most lucrative player sale, following the nearly €80 million deal for Rasmus Højlund to Manchester United in 2023. It underscores Atalanta`s effective model of scouting, developing, and profitably selling talent.
With Retegui`s departure imminent, Atalanta must now turn their attention to filling the void in their attack. As things stand, Gianluca Scamacca would be the primary, if not solitary, recognized senior striker remaining in the squad. The search for a new forward to complement or compete with Scamacca is officially underway.
Among the profiles being closely monitored is Adam Daghim, a promising talent born in 2005 currently playing for Salzburg. Daghim was previously scouted by the Bergamo club in January, suggesting a long-standing interest. However, it is anticipated that Daghim may not be the only candidate, as Atalanta opens the dossier on finding their next goal-scoring asset. The transfer window is now firmly in motion, and the focus shifts from the departing star to the potential new arrival who can maintain Atalanta`s attacking prowess.
