Rangers Sign Kosta Nedeljkovic on Loan from Aston Villa

Rangers have beaten off rival interest to land highly rated right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic from Aston Villa on a season-long loan, in a deal that is set up to become permanent.

The 20-year-old has joined with a £4m obligation to buy written into the agreement, triggered by the number of appearances he makes in Glasgow. If he plays, he stays.

McInnes gets his man

Rangers moved decisively after Nedeljkovic held talks with manager Derek McInnes and Serbia team-mate Vanja Dragojevic, who arrived at Ibrox earlier in the summer. Those conversations proved decisive, with the defender turning down other options to commit to the Scottish Premiership side.

“For me, it was an easy decision after meeting with the coach, I only wanted Rangers,” Nedeljkovic said after sealing the move. “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.

“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 made it clear why Rangers pushed so hard to get the deal over the line.

“Kosta is a talented young player who we are really pleased to bring to the club,” the 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.”

From Belgrade to Glasgow

Nedeljkovic joined Aston Villa from Red Star Belgrade in January 2024 and made 10 appearances for the Premier League side. Before that, he spent a season and a half on loan at RB Leipzig, adding Bundesliga experience to his rapid rise through European football.

Now he becomes part of a sweeping rebuild at Ibrox. Rangers have reached 11 summer signings with his arrival, and the recruitment drive is not finished yet.

Club chiefs are still hunting a new striker and a winger before the Scottish transfer window closes on September 3. Portland Timbers forward Kevin Kelsy and Brighton youngster Amario Cozier-Duberry are among the attacking options under consideration.

For now, though, the focus is on the right flank of the Rangers defence, where a young Serbian full-back has been handed both an opening and a challenge. How quickly Kosta Nedeljkovic turns that opportunity into a permanent stay will be measured, quite literally, in minutes on the pitch.