Rangers appear to have missed out on a potentially ‘incredible’ striker who shares a lot in common with Edin Dzeko as Petar Ratkov completes his move to Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg.
It may be a bit much to ask for the Serbia U21 international to emulate the staggering success of Erling Haaland at the Red Bull Arena. But, with his move to Salzburg confirmed, Petar Ratkov is certainly in a good place to build upon an excellent campaign at TSC Backa Topola.
The 19-year-old scored 13 times in all competitions. Form that reportedly caught the eye of Rangers, Brentford, AC Milan and others.
Salzburg eventually won the race; stumping up an initial £4.2 million.
And, with his rangy frame, his intelligent link-play and his ability to finish off chances with both feet, a man who has watched Ratkov closely during his time at TSC sees similarities with a former Manchester City Premier League winner.
Rangers miss out as Red Bull Salzburg snatch Petar Ratkov
“(Ratkov’s big strengths are his) incredible anticipation and his understanding of the game. He reminds me of Edin Dzeko. He’s a real goalscorer,” a Serbian reporter tells Laola1.
“He always knows where he has to be, and he always knows where his team-mates are.
“His better foot is on the right, but he’s scored a lot of goals with his weaker left foot, which is a huge strength for a striker his age. It even made him the number one choice for free-kicks at TSC this season.”
Rangers completed a £3 million deal for Atalanta’s Sam Lammers last week; Mick Beale highlighting the stylish Dutchman’s ability to play as a number ten as well as a number nine. A more ‘classic’ centre-forward remains a priority, with deals for Cyriel Dessers, Matija Frigan, Josh Maja and co still in the pipeline following the departure of Alfredo Morelos.
We have signed a highly talented young player in Petar,” Salzburg director Christoph Freund tells the Red Bull website. “Who despite being just 19 has already made 75 appearances in the Serbian top flight and is therefore very mature.
“He will get all the time he needs at us to adjust to the higher level and his new challenges. Petar is known for his very good mentality, and he will be working hard from the very first day to find his feet with us and settle in as quickly as possible.”
