Manchester United are showing interest in landing Al-Qadsiah striker Mateo Retegui
Manchester United continue to monitor Mateo Retegui closely, the 26-year-old Italian striker who joined Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia this summer. He has wasted no time there, scoring three goals in just four league games, following a remarkable season at Atalanta where he notched 28 goals across all competitions.
That is as per Caught Offside. United have admired Retegui for some time now, drawn to his strong physical presence and sharp technical skills, which could suit the Premier League’s demands perfectly. According to a separate report from Fichajes, United would remain prepared to pay around €50-60 million for the striker.
With a price tag in that range, any deal would require careful planning, but Retegui fits the profile of a versatile attacker ready to make an instant mark.
https://twitter.com/IFTVofficial/status/1978195351015145679
What next?
The 26-year-old Italian international could fill a real gap up front and add some much-needed variety. The Red Devils signed Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig over the summer, and he has brought pace and height to the central role. Yet Retegui brings something different, a more involved style in the final third.
Look at the numbers from last season: Retegui had 186 touches in the opposition box in Serie A, well ahead of Sesko’s 98 in the Bundesliga. His passing stands at 78 per cent accuracy, compared to Sesko’s 68 per cent, and he wins 67 per cent of his long balls against Sesko’s 47 per cent. That makes Retegui a smart playmaker who can hold up the ball and feed teammates, perhaps teaming up with Sesko to create a balanced duo. Sesko shines in dribbling, with 39 successful take-ons at 54 per cent, so together they could pose problems for defences in different ways. [All stats from DataMB / FotMob]
Retegui looks like a step up on someone like a Joshua Zirkzee, with better finishing and build-up play to share the load in Ruben Amorim’s setup. It would ease the burden on wingers as well, if Amorim decides to finally switch-up from his 3-4-2-1.
Manchester United are showing interest in landing Al-Qadsiah striker Mateo Retegui.
Will Al-Qadsiah let Retegui leave so soon?
That said, it is not straightforward. Al-Qadsiah just signed him, so they may not want to let go so soon, especially in January. United have other needs too: midfielders, full-backs, a reliable keeper, and maybe a winger. Spending big again on a striker might stretch the budget after the summer spend. They have leaked 11 goals in seven games already, so priorities matter.