Rangers Sign Kosta Nedeljkovic on Loan from Aston Villa
Rangers have won the race to sign right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic from Aston Villa, landing the highly rated Serbian on a season-long loan with a built-in obligation to buy.
The 20-year-old moves to Ibrox on a deal that will become permanent for around £4m, triggered by the number of appearances he makes this season. Rangers beat off interest from other clubs after Nedeljkovic held talks with manager Derek McInnes and Serbia team-mate Vanja Dragojevic, who joined earlier in the summer.
A calculated gamble at right-back
Nedeljkovic only arrived at Villa Park in January 2024 from Red Star Belgrade and made 10 appearances for the Premier League side. Before that, he spent a season and a half on loan at RB Leipzig, picking up valuable experience in the Bundesliga.
Now he becomes part of a major rebuild in Glasgow. His arrival takes Rangers’ summer business to 11 signings, with the club still active in the market before the September 3 deadline in Scotland. Ibrox officials are working on deals for a new striker and a winger, with Portland Timbers forward Kevin Kelsy and Brighton youngster Amario Cozier-Duberry among those under consideration.
For Nedeljkovic, the move is about responsibility as much as opportunity.
“I am very excited, Rangers is such a big club, a big family and I am excited to join and help the team have success together,” he said after signing. “For me, it was an easy decision after meeting with the coach, I only wanted Rangers. It is a big opportunity and a big responsibility. I always try to be positive and work hard so I am ready to help the team.”
McInnes gets his modern full-back
McInnes has been clear all summer that he wanted more energy and aggression down the flanks. In Nedeljkovic, he believes he has found it.
“Kosta is a talented young player who we are really pleased to bring to the club,” the Rangers manager said. “He has already gained some valuable experience at a high level in England and Germany, as well as representing Serbia internationally. Kosta is an athletic and energetic full-back who is keen to get forward, but he also has a real desire to defend and compete and he will further strengthen a key area for us.
“I look forward to welcoming Kosta to Rangers, and working with him moving forward.”
With a purchase clause tied to game time, Rangers have nailed their colours to the mast. If Nedeljkovic plays, he stays. The only question now is how quickly he can turn that promise into a permanent place in McInnes’ starting XI.
