Rangers Sign Kosta Nedeljkovic on Loan from Aston Villa

Rangers have landed highly rated right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic from Aston Villa on a season-long loan, with a built-in £4m obligation to buy that will kick in depending on how many games he plays.

The 20-year-old Serbian arrives at Ibrox after Rangers fought off interest from several other clubs, with talks involving manager Derek McInnes and international team-mate Vanja Dragojevic proving decisive. Dragojevic joined earlier in the summer and his presence has helped tip the balance.

A calculated move for a modern full-back

Nedeljkovic only joined Aston Villa in January 2024 from Red Star Belgrade, but opportunities were limited. He made 10 appearances for the Premier League side and previously spent a season and a half on loan at RB Leipzig, where he picked up valuable experience in a high-intensity environment.

Now he becomes Rangers’ 11th signing of a busy summer, part of a clear rebuild under McInnes. The club are not done yet either. Ibrox officials are still in the market for a striker and a winger before the Scottish window closes on September 3, with Portland Timbers’ Kevin Kelsy and Brighton’s Amario Cozier-Duberry among those on their radar.

For Nedeljkovic, the move is as much about responsibility 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 sealing the deal. “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 man

McInnes has been intent on adding energy and aggression down the right flank, and believes he has found it in the Serbia international.

“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.”

The structure of the deal, with that £4m obligation tied to appearances, underlines the club’s belief that Nedeljkovic is not just cover but a long-term piece of the puzzle. If he plays, he stays.

With the transfer window clock ticking and Rangers still pushing for more firepower in attack, the question now is simple: how quickly can Nedeljkovic turn potential into presence on the Ibrox pitch?