New Rangers recruit Kosta Nedeljkovic has revealed that Serbia national team colleague Vanja Dragojevic acted as a 'night agent' to help bring him to Ibrox. The 20-year-old right-back has signed on a year-long loan from Aston Villa, becoming Derek McInnes' 11th new signing of the summer.
The deal includes a clause that will make the move permanent once the defender reaches a certain number of appearances. Nedeljkovic, who spent the last 18 months on loan at RB Leipzig, said he was won over by McInnes' sales pitch.
Nedeljkovic on 'Night Agent' Dragojevic
Nedeljkovic told Rangers TV: "Yeah, let's say he was the night agent these past few days! Me and Vanya, we know each other for the last 10 years. He was in the Partisan academy, I was in the Red Star academy. So this is a little bit of a derby rivalry but we are close friends!"
The pair grew up on opposing sides of Belgrade's Eternal City divide, but Nedeljkovic is looking forward to teaming up with his old Partizan rival. "The first time when I went from Serbia three years ago it was hard adapting to life abroad and everything," he said. "I had to get used to living alone but now he's here it should help because we are so close in our private lives."
Feeling at Home at Ibrox
Belgrade-born Nedeljkovic, who spent nine years in the Red Star academy and one year in the first team, said he already feels at home at Rangers. "I'm very excited to be here," he said. "I cannot find the right words because Glasgow Rangers is such a big club, it's a big family, a big part of the fans.
"I hear amazing words about the atmosphere here. So it's similar like Serbia. I feel from the first day, I feel here like home. So I'm very excited to play at Ibrox in front of the fans and I will give my best."
He added: "The last five, six days we have spoken a lot, so for me it was an easy decision after the first meeting with the coach. I made this decision and I only wanted to come to Rangers."
Experience from Premier League and Bundesliga
Nedeljkovic, a league and cup winner in his homeland, has made 10 appearances for Aston Villa and played regularly for Leipzig before injury issues. He believes the Scottish league suits his style. "I think the Scottish league is very similar like Premier League and English football," he said.
"There is important physicality and also the tactical intensity. So this I like the most, running intensity. So this is a reason also why I come here because it's similar to England. I am ready for this. I've adapted for this style. And I can't wait for the big derbies against Celtic, playing in Europe."
Nedeljkovic concluded: "So I'm ready here to bring my 300 percent effort and to try to win titles."
