Bundesliga club RB Leipzig have announced the signing of Aston Villa right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic.
The 19-year-old makes the move to Germany on loan until the end of the season, but Marco Rose's side have the option to sign him permanently in the summer for a fee believed to be €15m (£12.5m).
Nedeljkovic, a six-cap Serbia international, joined Villa from Red Star Belgrade in January last year and he has since made 10 first-team appearances under Unai Emery this season, including a substitute outing against Leipzig in a 3-2 Champions League win for the Lions in December.
Villa have allowed Nedeljkovic to leave temporarily after completing the signing of fellow right-back Andres Garcia form Levante a fortnight ago, and he will compete with Matty Cash for regular starts under Emery.
Speaking to Leipzig's official website after joining the club, Nedeljkovic said: "I'm delighted to be joining RB Leipzig. From the moment the club first reached out, I knew that I wanted to take this opportunity because as a club, they prioritise young players and give them an opportunity to develop.
Talented youngster joins RB Leipzig! 🌟
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) February 3, 2025
Kosta Nedeljkovic will join RB Leipzig on loan from Premier League outfit @AVFCOfficial for the remainder of the 2024/25 season. The loan deal also includes an option to buy. 🤝
Nedeljkovic will wear the number 2⃣1⃣ shirt for RBL.
Nedeljkovic reacts to Leipzig move after challenging 2024
"2024 wasn't the best year for me, which is why I'm eager to show what I'm capable of here, earn match practice and help the club achieve their goals. I will give it my all right from my first training session!"
Leipzig's board member for sport Marcel Schafer added: "We wanted to add further reinforcements to our squad in preparation for the months to come.
"Kosta is the prime example of a full-back who works hard on the right wing, in addition to bringing speed, an attacking mindset and an excellent mentality to the table.
"He is strong in the tackles, good at winning possession and has an excellent understanding of the game. Kosta has a lot of potential and we will provide him with the opportunity to realise it."
Nedeljkovic has been handed the No.21 shirt at Leipzig and could be ready to make his debut for the club when they play host to St Pauli in the Bundesliga on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Leipzig have confirmed that striker Andre Silva is set to join Werder Bremen on loan for the rest of the season.
Oliver Thomas
