Serie A Sides Left On High Alert As Mateo Retegui Pushes For Return To Italy In January Window

Mateo Retegui could make a return to Serie A in the January window, as the Italian is reportedly pushing for a temporary move away from Saudi Arabia.

Mateo Retegui Pushes For Saudi Pro League Exit

Mateo Retegui has only been in Saudi Arabia for just over three-months, but the 26-year-old is already looking to make a return to Serie A in January.

In July 2025, Retegui became the most expensive Italian player of all-time after leaving Atalanta to join Al Qadsiah for €68 million in a move that surprised soccer fans across the globe.

After scoring 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances last season, Retegui ended the year with the Capocannoniere award and was one of the most prolific strikers in Europe.

This tally was seven more than any other player in Italy’s top division, as Moise Kean, who has also been linked with a January move away from Fiorentina, scored 19.

Since moving to the Saudi Pro League, Retegui has scored six goals in 11 appearances across all competitions – but the Italian has only found the back of the net in three of his nine league outings.

One key factor in Retegui’s future at Al Qadsiah is the 2026 World Cup, as Italy could face a series of play-off fixtures to secure a place in next year’s tournament.

Gennaro Gattuso’s side were beaten 3-1 by Norway in their final World Cup qualifier, meaning the Azzurri finished second in Group I and will now face Northern Ireland in the opening play-off clash.

Italy have failed to qualify for a World Cup since 2014 and missing out on the upcoming tournament would be a huge stain on this set of players.

Retegui is expected to be a pivotal member of Italy’s squad, meaning the 26-year-old will need to be on top form going into the crucial play-off fixtures.

In order to reach the levels Retegui showed last season, the striker may need to return to Europe and get up to speed against players that will also be at the World Cup.

Al Qadisah may not allow their star man to leave on a permanent basis after spending €68m during the summer, but the Saudi Pro League side are reportedly willing to send Retegui out on loan in January.

Rumors over a return to Europe have caught the eye of multiple sides in Serie A and the Azzurri international would prefer a move to his home nation.

Serie A Giants Prepare January Move For Mateo Retegui

Before moving to Saudi Arabia, Retegui was in serious negotiations with another Serie A side in AC Milan, but the Rossoneri were not willing to meet Atalanta’s demands.

La Dea were looking for around €60m for the Italian international, while AC Milan were hoping to spend €40m and Retegui revealed that his negotiations with Milan faced ‘several problems’.

However, Massimiliano Allegri’s side could make another move for the Italian striker in January, as the Rossoneri are still looking for a lead talisman to maintain their place in the Serie A top four.

Milan secured a 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in their latest league encounter and moved up to second in the table, which could be a key factor in Retegui’s decision.

The Rossoneri have been boosted by the performances of Christian Pulisic, as no player has registered more goal involvements in Serie A during the last three seasons – but Allegri is still searching for a center forward.

Retegui may be reluctant to enter talks with Milan after his experience during the summer, which could open the door to a move back to Atalanta.

La Dea have struggled to find form this season, causing Ivan Juric to be relieved of his duties and be replaced by former Fiorentina boss, Raffaele Palladino.

The new Atalanta manager will be hoping to make multiple additions to his roster in January, as the Bergamo-based side sit 13th in the table and are at risk of missing out on European qualification.

Ademola Lookman has been linked with a move to Galatasaray at the start of 2026 after a lengthy dispute with Atalanta and the Nigerian’s departure could force the club into a January reinforcement.

Any interested party will have to consider Retegui’s salary, as the Italian is reportedly earning €16m per year which is more than any player in Serie A.

How Much Money Would Mateo Retegui Lose If He Left Saudi Arabia In January?

It’s no secret that the salaries in Saudi Arabia are a major factor in a players decision and Retegui is another example of this – earning €12m more than he did in Serie A.

This is supported by the fact that the Italian international does not have to pay any income tax during his time in Saudi Arabia and will see every penny of his salary.

However, the 26-year-old needs to stay in Saudi Arabia for at least 183 days in a tax year to be considered a resident for tax purposes.

As of November 26th 2025, Retegui has been in Saudi Arabia for 128 days and this will rise to 164 on January 1st 2026 – which could cause some issues for the Italian.

Jordan Henderson did not receive any money during his time in Saudi Arabia as he terminated his deal after just six months.

Terminating his deal in Saudi Arabia meant that Henderson lost out on €5m as the English midfielder initially agreed to defer his salary for six months to aid tax requirements in the United Kingdom, so he was not paid a salary during his time in the Middle East.

In contrast, Retegui did not defer his wages with Al Qadsiah which means the Italian is receiving his monstrous salary on a regular basis.

So, although a move back to Serie A would see a huge drop in salary, Retegui would still earn the money that he agreed to back in July 2025.

A permanent move away from Saudi Arabia is unlikely for Retegui, as the Italian is reportedly looking for a loan deal which would mean that his salary would still be covered.

The Italian signed a three-year deal in Saudi Arabia, expiring in June 2028 and Retegui’s €16m salary will bring a total of €48m if he stays for the duration.