Rangers have strengthened their defensive options by bringing in Kosta Nedeljkovic on a season-long loan from Aston Villa, with the Ibrox side also securing a conditional obligation to make the move permanent.
The 20-year-old Serbia international becomes the club's 11th signing of the summer transfer window, arriving at a position that has seen multiple players used this season. Right-back has been something of a rotating role for Rangers, with Dujon Sterling, Ross McCrorie and Vanja Dragojevic all having featured there in recent matches.
Nedeljkovic's career path has taken him through several clubs already despite his young age. He began at Red Star Belgrade before signing for Aston Villa in January 2024, with the move to the Premier League club formally completed that summer. Since then, he has spent time away from Villa Park on two separate loan spells with German outfit RB Leipzig.
His time in Germany was hampered by fitness issues, however, as knee and back problems restricted him to just six Bundesliga appearances last season. Before departing for Leipzig, the defender made 10 appearances for Aston Villa across all competitions, giving him some exposure to English football prior to this switch to Scotland.
Rangers manager Derek McInnes was pleased to add a player he believes fits the profile required for the position. Speaking to club media, McInnes praised the youngster's attacking instincts as well as his defensive application. "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," the manager said.
McInnes also pointed to the experience Nedeljkovic has already accumulated despite his age, noting his time in two major European leagues and his involvement with the Serbian national team. "He has already gained some valuable experience at a high level in England and Germany, as well as representing Serbia internationally," he added.
The move reunites Nedeljkovic with a familiar face in the Rangers squad, as he will now play alongside fellow Serbia international Vanja Dragojevic, who has himself featured at right-back for the Ibrox club this term.
For his part, Nedeljkovic expressed enthusiasm about joining one of Scottish football's most storied institutions, describing the move as a straightforward choice once he had spoken with the club's coaching staff. "Rangers is such a big club, a big family, and I am excited to join and help the team have success together," he said. "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."
The young defender will now be tasked with competing for a starting spot in a position that has lacked a settled first-choice option so far this campaign. With his loan spell set to run for the full season, Rangers will be hoping his athleticism and attacking quality down the flank can provide a fresh dimension to their play, while the conditional purchase clause offers the club a pathway to a permanent deal should the arrangement prove successful.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.