If a recent transfer update from The Daily Record is believed to be true, Rangers are eyeing a move for Kosta Nedeljković. They would prefer a permanent deal for the Aston Villa right-back but are also open to a season-long loan with an option to buy contract.
The 20-year-old Serbia international progressed through Red Star Belgrade’s academy ranks before being loaned out to Grafičar in the second division for first-team football. He made 20 senior appearances for Red Star during the 2023-24 season and was eventually roped in by the Villans for £8m.
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After a sporadic start in the first six months, Nedeljković joined RB Leipzig on loan for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. He rejoined the Bundesliga giants last summer, but was hardly involved, primarily due to injury concerns. He has now returned to Villa Park, only to find himself behind Matty Cash, with the latter being the preferred choice on the right.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY – MAY 03: Leroy Sane of Bayern Munich runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Kosta Nedeljkovic of RB Leipzig during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern München at Red Bull Arena on May 03, 2025 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Unai Emery has often deployed Ezri Konsa and Lamare Bogarde as makeshift fullbacks and, therefore, does not fancy the Serbian in his immediate plans. The youngster, too, should seek a fresh challenge for regular gametime, and a transfer north of the border could earn him assured minutes, given their conundrum in the defensive third.
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Why Rangers Should Bring Him In As The First-choice Right-back
The Light Blues have snapped up nine new names as part of their ongoing transition under Derek McInnes. Yet the squad look incomplete and unbalanced across the pitch. After a draw against Dundee United in the opening gameweek, the Light Blues have suffered back-to-back defeats against Jagiellonia Białystok and Hibernian across competitions, and their frailty at the back must be remediated to avoid more misery in the coming days.
Despite having Dujon Sterling and Ross McCrorie among right-back options, Rangers aim to secure further reinforcements to find stability and balance between defence and attack. Sterling has often struggled with injuries, whereas McCrorie should be deployed flexibly as a utility player across defence and midfield.
Hailed for his high work ethic, explosive pace and physical projection, Nedeljković would find it easy to attune to the demands and aggression of Scottish football. He possesses great recovery speed and dynamic burst to join the attack or track back against quick wingers. Also, his tenacity during one-on-one situations and challenges demonstrates the traits of a modern-day fullback. While the young ace needs to work on his concentration and consistency in terms of crossing precision and final third deliveries, spells with Villa and Leipzig should help him develop for the next phase of his career.
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