Rangers Secure Kosta Nedeljkovic on Loan from Aston Villa

Rangers have landed right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic from Aston Villa on a season-long loan that is set up to become permanent.

The 20-year-old moves to Ibrox with a £4m obligation to buy built into the deal, triggered by the number of games he plays. It is a structure that underlines how heavily Rangers expect to lean on him this season.

Rangers win the race

Rangers had to fight for this one. Sky Sports News understands the club saw off rival interest after Nedeljkovic held talks with manager Derek McInnes and Serbia team-mate Vanja Dragojevic, who joined earlier in the summer. Those conversations proved decisive.

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

From Belgrade to Ibrox

Nedeljkovic arrived at Villa Park in January 2024 from Red Star Belgrade but made only 10 appearances for Aston Villa. Before that, he spent a season and a half on loan at RB Leipzig, picking up experience in Germany to add to his Serbian pedigree.

Now he becomes part of a sweeping rebuild. Rangers have made 11 summer signings already, with more expected before the Scottish window closes on September 3.

McInnes made it clear why this one mattered.

"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."

Business not done

Rangers are not finished. Ibrox chiefs are still hunting a new striker and a winger before the deadline, with Portland Timbers' Kevin Kelsy and Brighton's Amario Cozier-Duberry among the names on their radar.

Nedeljkovic, though, is through the door, the right-back slot reinforced and the obligation to buy looming in the background. If he plays, Rangers pay — and they clearly expect him to play a lot.