Rangers Sign Kosta Nedeljkovic on Loan from Aston Villa

Rangers have landed highly rated right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic from Aston Villa, sealing a season-long loan that comes with a £4m obligation to buy, triggered by his game time.

The 20-year-old, viewed as one of Serbia’s brightest defensive prospects, chose Ibrox after holding talks with manager Derek McInnes and international team-mate Vanja Dragojevic, who made the same move earlier in the summer. Rangers had to fend off interest from other clubs to get the deal done.

Nedeljkovic only arrived at Villa Park in January 2024 from Red Star Belgrade and made 10 appearances for the Premier League side. He also spent a season and a half on loan at RB Leipzig, picking up valuable experience in Germany before this latest step in his career.

“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,” Nedeljkovic said after the move was confirmed.

“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, who has been reshaping his squad aggressively this summer, believes he has secured a full-back built for the demands of Ibrox.

“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.”

Nedeljkovic becomes Rangers’ 11th signing of a busy window, and the recruitment drive is not finished. Ibrox chiefs are still hunting a new striker and a winger before the September 3 Scottish deadline, with Portland Timbers’ Kevin Kelsy and Brighton’s Amario Cozier-Duberry among the players on their radar.

The right-back berth now looks reinforced. The real question is whether Rangers can match that urgency in the final third before the window slams shut.