Kosta Nedeljkovic Rangers Transfer verdict: Kosta Nedeljkovic has become an interesting option for Rangers after a miserable opening to the competitive season. Derek McInnes wants more options at right-back, and Aston Villa youngster Nedeljkovic could offer something different.
The Herald reports that Rangers are considering a season-long loan for the 20-year-old Serbian. Villa paid around £8m to sign him from Red Star Belgrade in 2024, yet regular first-team football has remained elusive. He spent the last two seasons with RB Leipzig, making just five Bundesliga appearances and playing 252 minutes during the 2025/26 campaign. That lack of football stands out. So does his potential.
Nedeljkovic returned to Villa this summer and started their 3-1 friendly win over Indonesia All-Stars, supplying an assist. However, Unai Emery has generally preferred Matty Cash at right-back, while Ezri Konsa can cover the position when required.
Rangers have already brought Ross McCrorie back to Ibrox, while Dujon Sterling remains another option. Even so, their 2-1 defeat against Hibernian exposed concerns on the right side. McInnes later admitted Rangers deserved more from the match, although he accepted the result represented a poor outcome.
Kosta Nedeljkovic Rangers Transfer makes sense
Rangers need a genuine specialist. James Tavernier left after his contract expired, taking years of leadership and attacking output with him.
McCrorie can help, but Nedeljkovic brings a different profile. He has serious pace, physical strength and 11 Serbia caps despite his young age. Those attributes matter for a Rangers side that needs better recovery speed and greater threat from wide areas.
His Leipzig record, however, deserves scrutiny. Five league appearances across an entire season hardly provide proof that he can walk into a demanding Rangers side and dominate. That uncertainty makes a loan particularly sensible.
Why Kosta Nedeljkovic Rangers Transfer matters
Rangers could give Nedeljkovic the regular football he missed in Germany without committing a large transfer fee immediately. An option to buy would make the arrangement even more attractive if he settles quickly.
His 89% passing accuracy from the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign gives another encouraging detail, especially for a full-back expected to help Rangers control possession. Yet passing figures alone won’t fix their problems.
McInnes needs someone who can defend one-versus-one, recover quickly and support attacks without leaving gaps behind. Nedeljkovic appears capable of doing that, but Rangers would still need patience while he rebuilds his rhythm.
Read: Rangers Midfielder Deal – Club open talks to complete £4.8m summer transfer
For a 20-year-old with limited club minutes, expectations must stay sensible. Still, his athleticism gives McInnes an option Rangers currently lack, and the Kosta Nedeljkovic Rangers Transfer could prove a smart short-term gamble.
