Rangers Secure Kosta Nedeljkovic on Loan from Aston Villa
Kosta Nedeljkovic has joined Rangers on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, with the Ibrox club set to meet a “conditional obligation” to purchase the 20-year-old Serbian defender.
The right-back transitioned to Aston Villa from Red Star Belgrade in the summer of 2024 after signing in January. He has since experienced two successive loan spells at RB Leipzig.
Manager Derek McInnes expressed confidence in Nedeljkovic’s abilities, stating, “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.” He emphasized that Nedeljkovic has acquired valuable experience at a high level in both England and Germany, in addition to representing Serbia on the international stage.
Last season, Nedeljkovic made just six appearances for the Bundesliga team due to knee and back injuries that affected his availability. Before heading to Germany, he had featured in 10 matches for Villa across all competitions.
Nedeljkovic becomes the 11th summer signing for Rangers and will join his international teammate Vanja Dragojevic in the squad. Dragojevic is among three players who have already filled the right-back position this season, alongside Dujon Sterling and Ross McCrorie.
Expressing his excitement about joining Rangers, Nedeljkovic stated, “Rangers is such a big club, a big family, and I am excited to join and help the team have success together. 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.”
Kosta Nedeljkovic has joined Rangers on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, with the Ibrox club holding a “conditional obligation” to buy the 20-year-old Serbia defender.
The right-back moved to Aston Villa from Red Star Belgrade in the summer of 2024, having signed in January, and has since had two successive loan spells with RB Leipzig.
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“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,” manager Derek McInnes told club media.
“He has already gained some valuable experience at a high level in England and Germany, as well as representing Serbia internationally.”
He made just six appearances for the Bundesliga side last season, with knee and back injuries limiting his availability.
Prior to his move to Germany, Nedeljkovic made 10 outings for Villa across all competitions.
He is the 11th summer arrival at Rangers and will link up with international team-mate Vanja Dragojevic.
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Midfielder Dragojevic is one of three players to be deployed at right-back already this season, along with Dujon Sterling and Ross McCrorie.
“Rangers is such a big club, a big family, and I am excited to join and help the team have success together,” said Nedeljkovic.
“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.”
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