Juventus Eyes Retegui as Final Transfer Target

Juventus are pushing into the final stretch of the window still hunting a centre-forward, and an old name has suddenly come back into focus: Retegui.

According to Italian outlet Tuttosport, the Italy international has emerged as a late target as Luciano Spalletti looks for one more focal point in attack before the deadline. The Bianconeri have already reshaped their frontline, bringing in Randal Kolo Muani and Jeff Ekhator, but the picture is far from settled. Dusan Vlahovic has departed on a free and Lois Openda has been sent out on loan, leaving a gap that numbers alone do not hide.

Spalletti turns back to a familiar face

Retegui is no stranger to Turin’s radar. Juventus tracked him in previous windows, and his name has never fully disappeared from internal discussions. Spalletti knows exactly what he would be getting. The coach worked closely with him during his time in charge of the Azzurri and is a firm admirer of the striker’s relentless work rate and sharp instincts inside the box.

There is also strong backing in the boardroom. Sporting director Marco Ottolini is a key supporter of the move, having been the man who first brought Retegui to Serie A from Argentina when he was at Genoa in 2023. For Ottolini, this would be a reunion as much as a recruitment.

Juventus have other irons in the fire. Joshua Zirkzee and Alexander Sorloth are also on the shortlist, but any move is blocked by one hard reality: Jonathan David must be sold before the club can sanction another attacking arrival. Until that exit is resolved, all ideas remain theoretical.

The money problem

On a sporting level, convincing Retegui is not seen as a major hurdle. The 27-year-old is under contract with Al-Qadsiah until 2028 after a €65m move from Atalanta and has already begun the new Saudi Pro League season, playing 73 minutes in a 3-1 win at Al-Shabab on the opening weekend.

The real issue is his salary. Retegui earns an eye-watering €20m per year in Saudi Arabia, a figure that blows past Juventus’ current wage structure. Tuttosport reports that the Italian club would look to structure any deal as an initial loan, but that plan only works if Al-Qadsiah agree to cover a significant portion of his wages.

Without that contribution, the deal collapses under its own weight.

Clock ticking in Turin

Time is now Juventus’ fiercest opponent. They must find a buyer for David and, almost in parallel, lock in their final attacking piece before the window slams shut. Spalletti wants a proven No 9 to ensure depth and genuine competition across a packed calendar, not just another body to fill the bench.

Retegui fits the profile on the pitch. On the balance sheet, he looks like a long shot. The question is whether Al-Qadsiah blink first and open the door for a late twist in Juventus’ transfer story.