Kosta Nedeljković’s Aston Villa future is back in focus after a difficult loan spell at RB Leipzig, with reports in Germany suggesting the Bundesliga side will not make his move permanent.
The Serbian right-back joined Leipzig on loan in February 2025, with the deal later extended and including a €10 million purchase option. However, according to Bild, that clause is now unlikely to be activated, leaving the 20-year-old set for a return to Villa Park this summer.
Kosta Nedeljković Aston Villa return expected after Leipzig struggles
Nedeljković’s time in Germany has not developed as hoped. Injuries have played a major role, disrupting his chances of building momentum in the squad.
A knee issue in September ruled him out for close to two months, and a subsequent back problem earlier this year kept him sidelined again. As a result, he has managed just six appearances this season, with under 300 minutes played and no involvement at all in 2026 so far.
Despite returning to the Serbia squad during the recent international break, where he featured briefly against Spain, his club situation remains uncertain.
Bild report that while the player himself has maintained a positive outlook, his chances of earning regular minutes at Leipzig are effectively over.
Leipzig unlikely to trigger €10m option
Competition for places has been a key factor. Nedeljković has found himself behind both Ridle Baku and Benjamin Henrichs in the pecking order, limiting his opportunities even when fit.
Taking that into account, Leipzig are now expected to walk away from the agreed purchase option. The report describes the situation as a “bitter turn of events”, particularly given the initial excitement surrounding his arrival at the start of 2025.
Based on recent matches we’ve covered across European leagues, this type of loan outcome is not uncommon when injuries interrupt early integration into a new system.
What Kosta Nedeljković return means for Aston Villa
Nedeljković remains under contract at Aston Villa until 2029, but his pathway into the first team is far from clear.
| Stat (2025/26) | Kosta Nedeljković |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 6 |
| Starts | 3 |
| Minutes | 297 |
| Contract | Until 2029 |
source: sofascore match data – 2 April 2026
Unai Emery already has established options at right-back, including Matty Cash and Andrés García. That competition makes it difficult to see where consistent minutes would come from if the Serbian remains in Birmingham.
Having followed Aston Villa closely this season, squad depth has increased significantly, particularly in defensive areas. This suggests that any returning loanees will need to prove their value quickly or seek opportunities elsewhere.
However, it remains too early to determine whether Villa will integrate him into their plans or look for another loan or permanent solution.
Key Insights
- RB Leipzig are unlikely to sign Kosta Nedeljković permanently
- Injuries have limited him to just six appearances this season
- He has not featured for Leipzig in 2026
- The defender is expected to return to Aston Villa this summer
- Competition at Villa could make first-team opportunities limited
What’s next for Nedeljković?
Nedeljković will return to Aston Villa at the end of the season, where his situation is expected to be reassessed during pre-season. The club will need to decide whether to integrate him into the squad or arrange another loan move.
Previous interest from Fiorentina suggests there could be options in Serie A, although no deal materialised in January. The summer window is likely to be decisive for his next step.
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