 Aged 32, he returned to the top division for 2011–12, agreeing to a two-year contract with Levante UD.Barkero netted five league goals in his second season with the Valencians (seven overall).However, late into the campaign, he also accused teammates Sergio Ballesteros, Juanlu and Gustavo Munúa of lack of commitment during a 0–4 home loss against Deportivo de La Coruña, which led to several match fixing allegations.