Kosta’s Rangers Future in Doubt as Serbian Media Breaks Silence

Kosta Nedeljkovic Rangers future comes under early scrutiny

Kosta Nedeljkovic’s Rangers spell has barely had the chance to get going, but questions are already being raised about how long the Serbian defender could remain at Ibrox.

The 20-year-old joined Derek McInnes’ side from Aston Villa on loan during the summer after attracting interest from several clubs, including Osasuna.

However, opportunities have been difficult to come by since his arrival in Glasgow.

Nedeljkovic has missed Rangers’ last four matches and has also had to contend with minor injury problems. His most recent appearance came on September 2, when he played in the 2-1 Scottish Premiership victory over Falkirk.

Since then, McInnes has continued to favour Dujon Sterling at right-back, leaving the Villa loanee on the sidelines.

Serbian media raise questions over Nedeljkovic

The lack of regular football has now sparked speculation about Nedeljkovic’s future.

Rangers have a conditional obligation to sign the defender permanently at the end of his loan, although that agreement is understood to be linked to the number of appearances he makes during the season.

Serbian outlet Mondo has now suggested that Nedeljkovic continues to attract interest from clubs outside Scotland.

Assessing Serbia’s defeat to the Netherlands, the publication highlighted the Rangers defender’s lack of game time and stated that he remains wanted by foreign clubs.

That could add another layer of uncertainty to his situation, particularly if his opportunities at Ibrox remain limited.

Why has Nedeljkovic struggled for minutes?

McInnes has established a settled Rangers side in recent weeks, with results improving as the manager has resisted making unnecessary changes.

Sterling has been part of that preferred defensive setup, meaning Nedeljkovic has found himself waiting for an opportunity.

McInnes recently explained his approach when discussing fellow Serbian defender Vanja Dragojevic, stressing the importance of maintaining consistency.

“We have settled in recent weeks on a system,” the Rangers boss said.

“The same back four, same midfield two. Some form of three behind a main striker or a front two of some sort.

“We’re just trying to find a bit of consistency of selection and consistency of results, which we’ve seen.”

That philosophy explains why Nedeljkovic has found it difficult to force his way into the starting XI.

However, the season is still long and opportunities are likely to arrive, particularly with Rangers competing across multiple competitions.

For now, there is no clear indication that either Rangers or Nedeljkovic are actively looking to end the loan prematurely.

The defender’s best response will be to remain patient and make the most of his next opportunity when it arrives.

Rangers will need a strong squad if they are to maintain their title challenge alongside Celtic and Hearts, meaning having quality options available could prove important as the campaign develops.

Nedeljkovic may have endured a frustrating opening to life at Ibrox, but there is still plenty of time for him to change the picture.