Leicester City have earned widespread praise from Italy striker Mateo Retegui for their classy handling of a collapsed £10m transfer deal last summer. The 25-year-old Atalanta forward, who was close to joining the Foxes before the move fell apart over late complications with his club, revealed the Premier League side’s respectful conduct left a lasting impression.
Speaking to Italian outlet *Gazzetta dello Sport*, Retegui said: “Leicester were professional from start to finish. When the deal couldn’t happen, they didn’t burn bridges or speak badly in the press. They wished me well and left the door open. That kind of respect isn’t always common in football.”
The transfer, which would have seen Retegui become Leicester’s marquee summer signing under manager Steve Cooper, collapsed in the final days of the window due to Atalanta’s reluctance to lose the player mid-season. Despite the setback, sources close to the King Power Stadium say the club maintained positive relations with both Retegui and his representatives.
Cooper himself declined to comment directly on the failed bid but told reporters after Saturday’s 2-1 win over West Ham: “We only pursue players and deals that align with our values, on and off the pitch. Sometimes things don’t work out, but how you handle it matters.”
Retegui, who has scored eight goals in 14 appearances for Atalanta this season, has not ruled out a future move to the Premier League, with Leicester believed to remain interested should the opportunity arise again.