Cristiano Ronaldo has been plying his trade in Saudi Arabia since January 2023. For some, such a move might signal a golden retirement, a comfortable, albeit perhaps less competitive, phase of a storied career. For a player approaching 40, this perception isn`t entirely without merit. Yet, in the same period, CR7 has remained a cornerstone for Portugal, featuring in nearly every match and maintaining a prolific scoring record. His international success hasn`t waned. But let`s be honest: Ronaldo is an anomaly, a footballer operating on a different plane entirely. For mere mortals like Mateo Retegui, the question looms larger: can a move to the Saudi Pro League coexist with a prominent role in the Italian national team?
Mateo Retegui, an important piece in Italy`s attacking puzzle.
Italy`s Striking Landscape
Retegui, unlike the Portuguese legend, isn`t a guaranteed global superstar, but he is undeniably one of the primary central strikers for the Italian national team. Under the new coach, Gennaro Gattuso, Retegui finds himself part of a key trio alongside Moise Kean and Gianluca Scamacca, with youngsters like Lorenzo Lucca and Pio Esposito also on the horizon. While Italy has certainly faced more acute forward crises in recent memory, the potential transfer market movements of its key players are naturally a point of analysis for the coaching staff.
Kean, for instance, had an impressive season at Fiorentina, finishing as one of the league`s top scorers and delivering a memorable two-goal performance against Germany for Italy. Retegui himself was a potent goalscorer in Serie A with Atalanta and, despite only scoring twice for the Azzurri thus far, has shown capabilities beyond just being a penalty-box finisher, integrating effectively into previous tactical setups. Scamacca, currently sidelined by injury but nearing a return, possesses the rare combination of traditional center-forward instincts and the ability to contribute to build-up play.
However, the lure of Saudi Arabia presents a tangible challenge. Retegui is reportedly close to making the move, and Kean is also apparently tempted. This trend is far from ideal for Gattuso and the national team setup.
The Inevitable Pull of the Kingdom
The financial packages offered by Saudi clubs simply cannot be matched, even by the Premier League. For Retegui, and indeed for many players of current and future generations, this represents a truly life-altering opportunity from a monetary perspective. The Italian national team staff acknowledges this shifting landscape and the reality that football is moving in this direction. There may well be more Italian players choosing this path in the future.
Other European national teams have already grappled with this scenario. Beyond the “alien” Ronaldo, players like Ruben Neves (Portugal), Merih Demiral (Turkey), and Ivan Toney (England) continue to feature for their countries while playing in Saudi Arabia. Others, such as Marcelo Brozović (Croatia, though age is also a factor) and Sergej Milinković-Savić (Serbia), have seen their international involvement change. The former Lazio midfielder, seen at the World Cup, still appears capable of performing in a top European league, suggesting that continued international relevance from Saudi Arabia is possible. Ultimately, it seems to hinge on the player`s mindset, professionalism, and training regimen.
Retegui in action for Italy.
Commitment to the Azzurri
Retegui is widely regarded as a dedicated professional with a strong desire to represent Italy. His initial decision to choose the Azzurri over Argentina, despite being a leading scorer in the Argentine league at the time, underscored this commitment. With a World Cup on the horizon, maintaining his place in the national team is undoubtedly a significant objective for him.
Coach Gattuso is diligently analyzing all relevant leagues, including the Saudi Pro League. Contrary to some perceptions, he does not view it as a league lacking technical merit or intensity. He sees value in many of the matches, suggesting they are comparable to those in other tournaments. The presence of numerous European and South American coaches is seen as a safeguard against potential tactical regression. Crucially, Gattuso is expected to continue calling up Retegui, recognizing that the player`s location won`t automatically disqualify him.
Retegui during a World Cup qualifier.
The Broader Trend and Future Uncertainty
A distinct conversation surrounds the aspect of physical preparation and the sheer volume of travel. While Ronaldo`s physique is often likened to a machine, other players moving to less traditionally competitive leagues must exhibit even greater dedication to maintain their peak condition. The long journeys for international duty will undoubtedly present a logistical challenge.
Losing Retegui to Saudi Arabia, even if he remains available for the national team, is a strategic disadvantage for Serie A and European football. The report notes Kean is also potentially on the move. One wonders if Italian clubs in need of a striker, such as Juventus or Milan, considered activating Kean`s reported €52 million release clause – certainly less than what Victor Osimhen commanded. For Juventus, such a move would represent a significant shift in strategy. Even players like Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolò Barella were reportedly targets for Saudi clubs and could have left the continent had they accepted offers. The future of football seems to be arriving at a rapid pace, and its full impact on national team dynamics, especially if Saudi clubs continue to target the absolute “top top” players, remains an open question.
Adrian Whitmore