Official: Lazio Striker Petar Ratkov Completes Deadline-Day Move to Levante | OneFootball

Petar Ratkov has left Lazio just eight months following his arrival, as he joins Levante on an initial loan deal.

Petar Ratkov Endured Torrid Time at Lazio

The Biancocelesti bought the 23-year-old from RB Salzburg in January after selling Taty Castellanos to West Ham United. However, the Serbian was never given a proper chance to prove his worth, as Maurizio Sarri made a statement to the management by keeping him on the bench after claiming he had never heard of him before, and this situation didn’t improve under Gennaro Gattuso.

Petar Ratkov (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

The current Lazio manager made it clear he has nothing personal against Ratkov, but the latter’s characteristics as a classic No.9 simply don’t suit his system, as he prefers to field a more mobile striker.

Lazio Confirm Ratkov to Levante

After resisting offers from Dynamo Moscow and Southampton, Ratkov eventually opened up to a move, especially following Andrea Pinamonti’s arrival. While he was open to joining Sevilla, Levante were able to beat their compatriots and finalise the striker’s transfer just before Tuesday’s deadline. Lazio have now announced the deal with a note published on the club’s official website.

The Formula & Figures

While this might be a temporary formula, the structure suggests the two clubs have the intention to make it a permanent transfer next summer. Previous sources claimed the LaLiga club is expected to pay €1 million in loan fees plus €14 million for the purchase.

Ratkov’s Lazio Numbers

Ratkov was Lazio’s most prolific player in pre-season, but he leaves the Italian capital club with just nine competitive appearances and no official goals to his name.

He becomes the second Biancocelesti striker to depart on deadline day, as Boulaye Dia had signed for Stade Rennais on a similar formula. On the other hand, the club recruited Albert Gudmundsson on loan with an option to buy from Fiorentina.