Juventus Target Mateo Retegui as Final Signing
Juventus are pushing into the final stretch of the window still hunting a striker, and Mateo Retegui has surged back onto their radar.
According to Italian outlet Tuttosport, the Italy international has emerged as a late target as Luciano Spalletti presses for one more centre-forward before the deadline. The Bianconeri have already reshaped their attack, bringing in Randal Kolo Muani and Jeff Ekhator, but the departures have bitten hard: Dusan Vlahovic has gone for nothing, while Lois Openda has been sent out on loan.
The numbers in attack still don’t add up. Juventus need to sell Jonathan David before they can sign again, with Joshua Zirkzee and Alexander Sorloth also sitting on the shortlist. Retegui, though, is a name that refuses to go away in Turin.
Spalletti’s favourite profile
Retegui has been on Juventus’ radar in previous windows and has now reappeared as an option. Spalletti knows exactly what he would be getting. The coach worked closely with the striker during his spell in charge of the Azzurri and is a firm admirer of his relentless work rate and sharp instincts inside the box.
Inside the club, the move has powerful backing. Sporting director Marco Ottolini is one of the driving forces behind the idea. He was the executive who first brought Retegui to Serie A from Argentina during his time at Genoa in 2023, and he remains convinced by the forward’s profile for Italian football.
A loan dream, a salary nightmare
Juventus, as things stand, would prefer an initial loan if Retegui shows a real desire to return to Italy. Convincing the player is not thought to be the problem. The real wall is financial.
Retegui earns an enormous €20 million per year at Al-Qadsiah. That figure is described as a massive obstacle for any deal. He is under contract until 2028 after his €65 million move from Atalanta, and the Saudi club hold a strong hand.
On the pitch, he remains involved. Retegui started Al-Qadsiah’s Saudi Pro League campaign, playing 73 minutes in their 3-1 win at Al-Shabab on the opening weekend. There is no sign from his current employers that they are desperate to cash in.
Clock ticking in Turin
Time, though, is running out in Turin. Juventus still have to find a buyer for Jonathan David before they can complete the attacking overhaul Spalletti wants. The coach is pushing for another proven focal point, someone who can guarantee depth and genuine competition for places in a season that will be packed with fixtures.
Retegui fits the tactical bill. The finances do not. Unless Al-Qadsiah agree to shoulder a significant portion of his huge wages, Juventus’ late move for the Italy international risks remaining exactly that: an idea, rather than the final piece of Spalletti’s attack.
