Report: 20-year-old Aston Villa star could be set for summer exit | OneFootball

Rangers Explore Kosta Nedeljkovic Loan as Aston Villa Weigh Next Step

Rangers are considering a move for Aston Villa right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic, with TeamTalk reporting that the Scottish club are assessing a loan for the 20-year-old as they continue their summer rebuild.

The Serbia international has emerged as a live option while Derek McInnes looks to strengthen defensively. Rangers are said to be “weighing up a move to sign 20-year-old Aston Villa star Kosta Nedeljkovic on loan for the season” and that interest makes clear sense when the player’s profile is examined closely.

Nedeljkovic joined Villa from Red Star Belgrade for £8million in 2024 and has since spent the past two campaigns on loan at RB Leipzig. Game time has been limited, with the source noting he made “just five league appearances last term”, a figure that explains why regular football is now the priority.

Kosta Nedeljkovic loan interest gathers pace

There is no suggestion of a completed deal at this stage. The position, as it stands, is that “discussions are at an early stage, and no formal agreement has been reached.” Still, Rangers are exploring multiple structures, with “a permanent deal or loan with an option to buy” also mentioned, even if Villa’s preference appears to be retaining long-term control.

Photo: IMAGO

That is understandable. Nedeljkovic is “highly regarded at Villa Park” and remains “viewed by Villa manager Unai Emery as a player for the future rather than an immediate starter”. With Matty Cash and Ezri Konsa ahead of him in the current pecking order, a temporary move may suit all parties.

Aston Villa right-back has shown encouraging signs

One detail that will not have gone unnoticed is his recent pre-season contribution. Nedeljkovic “impressed in a recent pre-season outing for Villa against an Indonesia All-Stars side, providing an assist in a 3-1 victory.” Add to that his “11 senior caps for Serbia” and Rangers would be taking a player with clear pedigree, despite his age.

For Villa, the decision is likely to come down to pathway. They are understood to be open to a move that gives the defender meaningful minutes, and Rangers can offer a demanding environment, expectation and regular scrutiny. If talks advance, this could become one to watch closely over the coming days.

Our View

From an Aston Villa perspective, this feels like the right kind of discussion to be having. Nedeljkovic is obviously talented, and every update around him seems to underline that. He is “highly regarded at Villa Park”, he has serious pace, and 11 senior Serbia caps at 20 tells you plenty about the level of belief in him.

As Villa supporters, there should be excitement here, not anxiety. If Unai Emery sees him as “a player for the future rather than an immediate starter”, then the priority has to be development, not keeping him around for the sake of it. Sitting behind Matty Cash and Ezri Konsa helps nobody if the minutes are too limited.

Rangers could actually be a very smart landing spot. It is a big club, there is pressure every week, and he would have to grow up quickly. That sort of environment can sharpen a young full-back. If he plays regularly, defends properly and keeps showing the attacking quality that brought an assist in the 3-1 pre-season win, Villa could bring back a far more complete player.

The key for Villa is control. A straight loan looks ideal. A sale, or even too much flexibility in an option, would feel premature for someone with this ceiling. Supporters should want him challenged, tested and developed, then ready to come back and compete properly. There is a real player here, and this next move could be a big step in unlocking him.