Retegui’s Saudi Move Raises Questions Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Despite looming World Cup qualification, Italian forward Mateo Retegui has opted for a lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah, a decision that is prompting debate about its potential impact on his international future. The move, announced on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, sees Al Qadsiah reportedly spend 65 million euros to secure Retegui from Atalanta.
Serie A’s Top Scorer Heads to the Middle East
Retegui arrives in Saudi Arabia as the leading goalscorer in Serie A for the 2024/2025 season, having netted an impressive 25 goals. This tally surpassed that of his Italian compatriot, Moise Kean, who finished with 19 goals. Retegui expressed gratitude to his former club, stating, “Dear Atalanta fans, thank you from my deepest heart for all the affection that you have showed me during this extraordinary year,” in a post on his personal Instagram account.
A Risky Gamble Ahead of the World Cup?
The timing of this transfer, just one year before the 2026 World Cup, is raising eyebrows. Italy has failed to qualify for the last two World Championships, adding pressure on players to perform at the highest level. One analyst noted that a move to the Saudi Arabian League could potentially diminish the sharpness of a player like Retegui, as the level of competition is generally considered less intense than in Europe’s top leagues.
Retegui’s recent performances for the Italian national team have also been limited. He has featured for only 72 minutes in a 0-3 defeat against Norway and 71 minutes in a 2-0 win over Moldova during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, failing to register a goal in either match.
The Exodus and Return Trend
Retegui is not the first high-profile player to grapple with this dilemma. Aymeric Laporte, a 31-year-old Spanish defender, recently left Al Nassr to seek opportunities back in Europe, motivated by a desire to remain competitive for his national team. Similarly, Federico Bernardeschi terminated his contract with Toronto FC in the MLS to return to Bologna in preparation for the World Cup.
The experience of players like Jordan Henderson serves as a cautionary tale. Henderson reportedly expressed regret over his time with Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Arabian League, a decision that ultimately led to his exclusion from the England squad for the 2024 European Cup.
