Levante UD have secured the signing of Serbian striker Petar Ratkov on loan from Lazio. The deal, reported by Marca - Primera, involves a one-million-euro loan fee and a purchase option set at 14 million euros for the 2025/2026 season. The 2003-born forward, who stands 1.93 meters tall, arrives to bolster an attack that lost Carlos Espí this summer.
The granota club, currently sitting 9th in La Liga with 4 points from three games, is seeking more firepower after scoring 5 and conceding 5 goals this season. Their next test is on September 6th against bottom-placed Malaga, a match you can track on our fixtures page.
Who is Petar Ratkov?
Petar Ratkov is a 23-year-old centre-forward known for his aerial prowess. His European career includes a spell at RB Salzburg, where he played 23 official matches, scoring 9 goals and providing 2 assists. His time in Serie A with Lazio last season was less productive, featuring 8 league appearances without a goal. In total, during the 2025/2026 campaign he played 9 official matches across all competitions, also failing to score.
His move to Levante was finalized this week, right after the club confirmed Carlos Espí's departure. The sporting direction, led by Héctor Rodas, continues to work on various scenarios depending on possible exits in the final hours of the market, Rodas stated.
How does he fit into the current squad?
Ratkov's arrival addresses a specific need in the forward line. With Espí's exit, the team lost a clear reference point up front. Cameroonian Etta Eyong, who joined in August 2025 from Villarreal for 2 million euros, was the top scorer last season with 6 goals in 31 matches. Eyong has expressed his desire to stay at Levante and, according to Deportes COPE Valencia, "is one of the major assets the Valencian entity has to try to raise funds and gain breathing room economically."
The squad, which you can view in detail on our squad page, now seeks balance. Ratkov offers a different profile, more physical and suited to being a target man in the box. With the team 5 points behind leaders Barcelona, any reinforcement could be pivotal in maintaining their ambition in the upper part of the table, whose progress you can follow on standings.
What does this signing mean financially?
The operation for Ratkov is a typical market move for a club managing its resources carefully. The initial one-million-euro outlay for the loan allows for player assessment without excessive investment. The 14-million-euro purchase option would be triggered if his performance this season convinces the board.
This signing model contrasts with last year's investment for Eyong and reflects a strategy of betting on young players with potential. The operation's success will largely depend on the goal-scoring ability Ratkov demonstrates in a league already underway. His first objective will be to help the team earn points in a demanding schedule.
The Serbian striker now has the chance to revive his career in Spain. His debut could come in the match against Malaga on September 6th, an away fixture that will set the tone for the coming weeks.
