Rangers Finalize Loan for Villa Right-back Nedeljkovic

Rangers are finalizing the loan signing of Aston Villa right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic, with the 20-year-old Serbian international having completed a medical and expected to travel to Glasgow to formalize the agreement. The deal, which will make Nedeljkovic the club's 11th signing of the summer, includes an obligation for Rangers to purchase the defender for £4 million at the end of the season, a clause set to be triggered based on his number of appearances.

The transfer addresses a key priority for manager Derek McInnes following the departure of former captain James Tavernier. While Dujon Sterling and recent arrival Ross McCrorie have been options at right-back, McInnes has sought a more attacking profile for the position. Nedeljkovic, who has earned 11 senior caps for Serbia, is viewed as providing that offensive dynamic from the flank.

Nedeljkovic joined Aston Villa from Red Star Belgrade in January 2024 for a reported fee of £8 million. His opportunities in the Premier League were limited, leading to an 18-month loan spell at Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. His time in Germany was hampered by knee and back injuries, limiting him to five league appearances last season. Despite...