Levante UD is navigating a pivotal week in the transfer market with an appeal to FIFA and a new attacking signing confirmed. The Valencian club, sitting ninth in La Liga with 4 points, also arrives on the back of a home thrashing of Real Betis.
What happened with the Sergio Akieme signing?
Levante's sporting director, Héctor Rodas, confirmed on Wednesday that the club will appeal to FIFA over the registration of defender Sergio Akieme. Mundo Deportivo reported that the loan deal from Stade de Reims was finalized on Tuesday night, but the paperwork reached LaLiga after midnight, missing the official deadline. The governing body did not accept the registration for this reason.
Rodas explained the process involved three parties and that the RFEF was saturated, causing the final step to be delayed. "We are going to fight at FIFA so the player can be with us," the director stated. He added that "LaLiga has been flexible in other cases" and they trust the same consideration will be applied. While the appeal is resolved, the club remains open to signing a free agent if a good opportunity arises.
Who is Petar Ratkov, the new striker?
Levante has announced the signing of Serbian striker Petar Ratkov for the 2026-27 season. The 23-year-old arrives on loan from Lazio until the end of the campaign, in a deal that includes a purchase option subject to sporting conditions, as detailed by the Italian club. Marca reported this is the team's eleventh signing for this campaign.
Ratkov, who stands at 1.93 meters, was developed at FK DIF Beograd and made his European leap with FK TSC Backa Topola. His career continued at Red Bull Salzburg, where he scored the fastest goal in Austrian Bundesliga history after six seconds of a match in February 2024. With Salzburg, he played 99 matches and scored 22 goals before his move to Lazio in January 2026. During his time in Italy, he featured in nine official matches without scoring, which prompted his loan move in search of minutes. He is also a full international for Serbia.
How is the team after the Betis victory?
Levante's current sporting context is positive following a resounding 5-2 victory over Real Betis on August 30. This win, their first of the season, allows them to approach the transfer window with high morale. The team has scored 5 goals and conceded 5 in their first three league games, reflecting a neutral goal difference.
With this squad under construction, manager Luis Castro gains a physical alternative for the attack with Ratkov's arrival. The striker joins an offensive unit that already includes Etta Eyong, Musuayi, and Iván Romero, increasing internal competition. The full squad and their stats are available on our squad page.
What is their standing in the table?
After three matchdays, Levante UD sits ninth in the table with 4 points, from one win, one draw, and one loss. Their recent form is win, draw, loss (WDL). The team is 5 points behind leaders Barcelona in a season that has just begun. You can follow the standings evolution in our standings section.
The team's next fixture is away against bottom-placed Málaga on Sunday, September 6. A key match to try and climb positions before the international break. All information on upcoming matches is on the fixtures calendar.
