RB Leipzig decline to exercise purchase option on Aston Villa’s Kosta Nedeljkovic | OneFootball

Kicker reports that RB Leipzig have opted not to exercise their purchase option on Aston Villa loanee Kosta Nedeljkovic. This does not necessarily mean that the 19-year-old will be departing the Bundesliga, however. Kicker notes that RB sporting director Marcel Schäfer still wishes to negotiate a new loan or even outright purchase for the right back.

Nedeljkovic ended up making 10 league appearances for the German Red Bulls this season. Under interim head coach Zsolt Löw, the now seven-times-capped Serbian international ended up starting six of RB’s final seven league fixtures. Although a reported €12m purchase option prove too expensive, Leipzig still wish to retain him.

Leipzig maintain a need at Nedeljkovic’s position, particularly due to the long-term absence of injured German international Benjamin Henrichs. RB nevertheless still have options at right back in the form of veterans Lukas Klostermann, Ridle Baku, and Lutsharel Geertruida. One thus assumes that signing Nedeljkovic won’t constitute a top priority for Schäfer and staff.

Nedeljkovic remains under contract with his Birmingham-based club through 2029. At present, the youngster maintains a €10m estimated market value. Should Villa make matters easy for Schäfer by simply demanding this amount, a permanent move could be in the cards.

GGFN | Peter Weis