Lazio Forward Who Rejected Southampton Has Suitors in Spain Germany: Sevilla and Bundesliga Clubs Circle

FolioPitch.com – 27 August 2026 | The Lazio forward who rejected Southampton has suitors in Spain and Germany as the summer transfer window enters its final days. Petar Ratkov, the 22-year-old Serbian striker, has become a target for multiple clubs across Europe after being deemed surplus to requirements at the Biancocelesti. Sevilla, Mainz, and Augsburg are among the latest teams to express interest in the forward, who turned down moves to England and Russia just weeks ago.

The Lazio forward who rejected Southampton has suitors in Spain and Germany, and that list appears to be growing. According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, several LaLiga clubs have made enquiries about Ratkov, with Sevilla standing out as a serious candidate. The Andalusian side is actively searching for a new center-forward and sees the young Serbian as a viable option to bolster their attack before the transfer deadline.

Ratkov’s time in Rome has been far from ideal since his €13 million arrival from RB Salzburg in January. Then-coach Maurizio Sarri famously admitted he did not know who the player was, which set the tone for a difficult spell. The forward spent the remainder of the season warming the bench and has yet to score his first goal for Lazio. Despite hopes that new head coach Gennaro Gattuso would give him a fresh start, Ratkov’s playing style has not convinced the Italian tactician either.

Gattuso has reportedly made it clear that he prefers a more dynamic striker, while Ratkov is a traditional penalty-box forward. With Andrea Pinamonti expected to join the club imminently, the Serbian will become even more of an afterthought in the squad. This situation has made Ratkov’s departure increasingly likely, and the Lazio forward who rejected Southampton has suitors in Spain and Germany ready to take advantage.

Earlier this summer, Ratkov rejected offers from Dynamo Moscow and Southampton, choosing instead to fight for his place at Lazio. However, with another season on the bench looming, his resolve may be weakening. The interest from Sevilla is particularly noteworthy, as they remain in the market for a striker and have the financial means to make a concrete offer. Meanwhile, German interest comes from Mainz and Augsburg, two Bundesliga sides that have been tracking his situation closely.

Mainz are in urgent need of a replacement for Benedict Hollerbach, who ruptured his Achilles tendon in January and is expected to miss a significant portion of the upcoming season. Augsburg, on the other hand, are looking to add depth to their forward line and see Ratkov as a low-cost, high-upside option. The Lazio forward who rejected Southampton has suitors in Spain and Germany, and Lazio are reportedly open to letting him leave, either permanently or on loan, as long as a suitable offer arrives.

For Ratkov, the decision is becoming more pressing by the hour. He is young and talented, but he needs regular playing time to develop. Sitting on the bench at Lazio would only stall his progress at a critical stage of his career. A move to LaLiga or the Bundesliga could provide him with the platform to rediscover his scoring touch and live up to the potential that made Salzburg invest in him.

Lazio, for their part, are eager to resolve the situation before the transfer window closes. They are keen to avoid a repeat of last season, when Ratkov was left out of the squad and his value depreciated. With multiple clubs expressing interest, the club may be in a position to negotiate a decent fee or a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy.

As the clock ticks down, all eyes will be on whether any of these suitors make a formal bid. The Lazio forward who rejected Southampton has suitors in Spain and Germany, and it may only be a matter of time before he packs his bags for a new adventure. For now, Ratkov remains a Lazio player, but his future is clearly elsewhere.

This is a critical juncture for Petar Ratkov. He has shown resilience by turning down earlier moves, but he must now weigh his options carefully. The interest from Spain and Germany is real, and a move could reignite his career. Lazio, meanwhile, are hoping for a quick resolution. With time running out, the next few hours could determine where this ambitious young forward will be playing his football next season.