Rangers have completed the signing of right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic from Aston Villa, bringing in the 20-year-old Serbia international on a season-long loan.
The agreement includes an obligation to buy worth £4m, which will become mandatory depending on how many appearances Nedeljkovic makes for the Ibrox club during the campaign.
According to Football Transfers, the deal was struck on 18 August 2026 and marks Rangers' 11th signing of the summer, with the permanent fee reported at €4.7 million - roughly equivalent to the £4m figure quoted elsewhere.
Sky Sports News understands Rangers fought off interest from several other clubs to land the defender, with talks between Nedeljkovic, manager Derek McInnes and fellow Serbian Vanja Dragojevic - who joined Rangers earlier in the summer - proving decisive in persuading him to move to Glasgow.
Dragojevic's own switch to Ibrox was confirmed as Rangers' seventh summer signing, arriving from Partizan Belgrade on an initial four-year contract as a 20-year-old.
Separately, Jacob Tanswell reported that McInnes had personally kept in touch with Nedeljkovic throughout the transfer window, a relationship that appears to have helped tip the balance in Rangers' favour.
From Belgrade to the Bundesliga and back
Nedeljkovic first arrived in England in January 2024, joining Aston Villa from Red Star Belgrade, but his time at Villa Park yielded only 10 appearances. In between, he spent a season and a half out on loan in Germany with RB Leipzig.
Before this move materialised, the BBC reported that Rangers had also been in discussions over alternative right-back targets, including Hugo Siquet and Jayden Meghoma, before eventually settling on the Villa man.
Meanwhile, Novosti reported that Aston Villa were simultaneously working on a separate deal to bring in Aaron Wan-Bissaka even as Nedeljkovic's exit was being finalised.
Speaking after putting pen to paper, Nedeljkovic said:
"I am very excited, Rangers is such a big club, a big family and I am excited to join and help the team have success together."
"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 so I am ready to help the team."
Manager Derek McInnes was equally pleased to add the young full-back to his squad, saying:
"Kosta is a talented young player who we are really pleased to bring to the club."
"He has already gained some valuable experience at a high level in England and Germany, as well as representing Serbia internationally. 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."
"I look forward to welcoming Kosta to Rangers, and working with him moving forward."
With 11 signings already through the door this summer, Rangers chiefs are understood to still be hunting for a new striker and winger before the Scottish transfer deadline closes on September 3, with Portland Timbers forward Kevin Kelsy and Brighton's Amario Cozier-Duberry both said to be under consideration.
What happens next
Nedeljkovic could feature far sooner than expected, with the BBC reporting he may be available for Rangers' Conference League play-off first leg at home to Jablonec on Thursday.
His involvement would give McInnes an immediate boost in defence as the club push to secure European football, just days after finalising his arrival from Villa Park.
