Serbian Talent Kosta Nedeljkovic Joins Rangers on Loan After Breakthrough Under Barak Bachar

Rangers Football Club is set to bolster its squad with the addition of 20-year-old Serbian defender Kosta Nedeljkovic on a season-long loan from Aston Villa. The deal, reported on August 18, 2026, includes a mandatory purchase clause worth 4 million pounds, contingent on the number of appearances Nedeljkovic makes for the Glasgow-based club.

Nedeljkovic's rise in professional football began under Israeli coach Barak Bachar, who promoted him to the senior team at Red Star Belgrade, Serbia's reigning champions. Bachar gave Nedeljkovic his debut and entrusted him with various roles on the right flank, helping him develop into one of Eastern Europe's most promising talents. The player has openly credited Bachar for his confidence and growth, stating that the coach and his staff believed in his potential to reach the highest levels and helped him fulfill his childhood dream.

Since transferring to Aston Villa in January 2024, Nedeljkovic has struggled to secure a regular place in the English Premier League side and was loaned to RB Leipzig. Now, with Rangers, he aims to gain consistent playing time and contribute to the club's efforts to rebuild and escape the shadow of Celtic, which has dominated Scottish football and European competitions in recent years. This move represents a significant step in Nedeljkovic's career as he seeks to establish himself at a major club on the global stage.