NafisaRangers have completed their 11th signing of the summer as Derek McInnes continues to reshape his squad ahead of a demanding campaign.
The Ibrox club have moved quickly to strengthen their defensive options, bringing in a young full-back with international experience and a spell at one of Germany’s biggest clubs already under his belt.
The latest arrival is Kosta Nedeljkovic.
The 20-year-old has joined Rangers from Aston Villa on loan, with the agreement understood to contain a £4 million conditional obligation to buy.
Nedeljkovic’s arrival adds another option to the right side of McInnes’ defence and follows the recent addition of James Penrice.
Nedeljkovic arrives with plenty of experience
Despite his young age, Nedeljkovic already has considerable experience at club and international level.
The Serbian right-back has earned 11 caps for his country and arrives at Ibrox after spending 18 months on loan at RB Leipzig.
His time in Germany gave him an opportunity to compete at a high level and develop his game before returning to Aston Villa this summer.
Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer previously offered a glowing assessment of the defender, describing him as:
«“the prototype of a full-back”»
Schäfer also highlighted Nedeljkovic’s:
«“pace, attacking intent and a top mentality”.»
Those characteristics should appeal to McInnes, particularly as Rangers look to add more energy and attacking threat from their defensive areas.
Rangers continue major defensive rebuild
Nedeljkovic becomes another piece of a significant defensive overhaul at Ibrox.
Rangers have already added Olwethu Makhanya and Ross McCrorie, while Penrice has also arrived to strengthen the full-back positions.
McInnes has therefore been given considerably more depth to work with as he attempts to build a team capable of challenging Celtic and competing on multiple fronts.
The conditional £4m obligation could also make Nedeljkovic more than just a short-term addition.
If the relevant conditions are met, Rangers would be required to make the move permanent, potentially securing a young international defender for a relatively significant fee.
Driouech move collapses after medical
Rangers’ recruitment drive has not been entirely straightforward, however.
A proposed move for PSV winger Couhaib Driouech collapsed after the Ibrox club discovered the extent of an injury during his medical.
Driouech subsequently explained the situation himself when speaking to ESPN.
«“It was a rollercoaster of emotions, but I am back. I think there was a disagreement between the doctors.”»
The winger confirmed that he had suffered a small thigh tear which was complicated by a knock to his knee.
«“I had a small tear in my thigh. I think it was made worse because I took a knock to the knee that week, and that turned into a hematoma.”»
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the move, Driouech has since returned to the pitch.
«“I feel good and am back on the pitch. I have no influence on what they decided there. I would have considered it a great step.”»
He admitted that the failed transfer was particularly difficult after mentally preparing himself for the move.
«“You already see yourself playing in a different kit, but it’s not the first time this has happened to me. It sucks, but that’s just how it is.”»
McInnes still wants more:
The arrival of Nedeljkovic is unlikely to signal the end of Rangers’ transfer business.
The club are still understood to be looking for another attacker following the injury suffered by Youssef Chermiti.
Chermiti picked up an AC injury last weekend, creating another problem for McInnes as he attempts to build sufficient depth across the squad.
Rangers are also targeting further reinforcements in the wide areas.
That means Nedeljkovic may be the 11th signing of the summer, but the number could soon rise again.
For now, however, McInnes can welcome another promising player into his squad.
A young Serbian international with Bundesliga experience, Premier League pedigree and a potential £4m permanent move attached to his loan — Nedeljkovic represents another significant addition to Rangers’ ambitious summer rebuild.
Nafisa
