Juventus Eye Mateo Retegui as Late Transfer Option

Juventus have turned to an old name in a race against the clock.

With the transfer window ticking down, Mateo Retegui has reappeared as a late option for the Bianconeri, according to Italian outlet Tuttosport, as Luciano Spalletti pushes for one more centre-forward to complete his attack.

A reshaped attack, with a hole down the middle

Juventus have already moved heavily in the market up front. Randal Kolo Muani and Jeff Ekhator have arrived to freshen the frontline, but the club let Dusan Vlahovic walk for nothing and sent Lois Openda out on loan. The numbers look different. The depth does not feel secure.

Before any new signing can walk through the door, one has to leave. Jonathan David is the key piece. Juventus must find a buyer for the Canadian before sanctioning another forward, with Joshua Zirkzee and Alexander Sorloth also sitting on the shortlist.

That financial reality hangs over everything.

Retegui back on the radar

Into that context steps Retegui, a familiar face for both club and coach. Juventus monitored the Italy international in previous windows and have revived that interest as options narrow.

Spalletti knows exactly what he would be getting. He worked closely with Retegui during his spell in charge of the Azzurri and has long admired the striker’s relentless work rate and sharp, instinctive movement inside the box. For a coach who demands intensity without the ball and precision inside the area, the profile fits.

Inside the club, there is more support. Sporting director Marco Ottolini is a strong backer of the move. He was the one who originally brought Retegui to Serie A from Argentina in 2023 during his time at Genoa, and he has not forgotten how quickly the forward adapted.

The salary wall

On paper, the deal Juventus want is clear. As per Tuttosport, the club would prefer an initial loan if the 27-year-old signals he is ready to return to Italian football. Convincing the player is not seen as the problem.

His wages are.

Retegui earns an eye-watering €20 million per year at Al-Qadsiah, where he is under contract until 2028 after a €65 million move from Atalanta. That salary level is completely out of Juventus’ range under normal conditions and stands as the main obstacle to any agreement.

The Italian played 73 minutes in Al-Qadsiah’s 3-1 win at Al-Shabab on the opening weekend of the Saudi Pro League, a reminder that he is not out of rhythm and remains a key part of their project. To prise him away, Al-Qadsiah would almost certainly need to subsidise a significant portion of his wages.

Without that, the numbers simply do not add up.

A long shot in a shrinking window

Time is not on Juventus’ side. They still need to offload Jonathan David and then move quickly to complete their attacking overhaul before the deadline slams shut.

Spalletti wants another proven focal point, someone who can anchor the attack, offer depth and drive competition for places across what promises to be a congested schedule. Retegui ticks the footballing boxes and has the backing of both coach and sporting director.

Right now, though, it is a long shot. Unless Al-Qadsiah bend on the salary and help carry the weight of those mammoth wages, Retegui may remain the forward who fits perfectly on the tactics board but not on the balance sheet.