Sevilla is negotiating a loan deal with an option to buy for striker Petar Ratkov. The 23-year-old Serbian currently plays for Lazio, who paid 13 million euros to Red Bull Salzburg for his transfer in January 2026.
During his time at Red Bull Salzburg, Ratkov scored 12 goals in 20 official appearances, which earned him a move to Lazio. However, his impact in Serie A has been limited: he has made only 8 appearances for the Roman club, starting just two. In the preseason, he has played only 19 official minutes, though he has shown goal-scoring form with 6 goals in 5 friendly matches.
Petar Ratkov’s current market value is estimated at 9 million euros. Besides Sevilla, clubs such as Dinamo Moscow and Red Star Belgrade have expressed interest in his signature. Southampton also submitted an offer exceeding 10 million euros for the striker, though it did not materialize.
Sevilla enters these negotiations after a strong start to the La Liga season: they sit atop the table with 6 points from two wins and zero losses, averaging 2.5 goals per game and claiming a +3 goal difference (5 scored, 2 conceded). Their next fixture is a home match against Atlético de Madrid, currently fourth in the standings, on August 29, 2026. This sporting context reinforces the club’s intent to bolster their attack with young, promising talent.
The potential signing of Ratkov aligns with a broader strategy, as Sevilla have also been linked with George Ilenikhena, although Al-Ittihad is demanding a high fee for his transfer. Meanwhile, the club’s management continues to assess options that balance potential, cost, and immediate tactical fit under García Pimienta.
If completed, this move would add depth and competition to Sevilla’s attacking options - a key factor as they aim to maintain their competitive edge throughout a season in which they target top finishes in both La Liga and European competitions.
