Kosta Nedeljkovic could be handed a fresh opportunity at Aston Villa after working his way back into Unai Emery’s first-team plans during pre-season.
The 20-year-old returned to Villa this summer after another difficult loan spell with RB Leipzig, having previously looked likely to leave again in search of regular football.
However, Nedeljkovic has featured throughout Villa’s preparations and has now been included in the squad for Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain.
That represents a significant change from the start of the summer, when the Serbia international appeared to be on the fringes of Emery’s squad.
Kosta Nedeljkovic earns another Aston Villa chance
Nedeljkovic made only five Bundesliga appearances during his latest season with Leipzig, totalling 252 minutes. ReadAstonVilla previously assessed whether his return could solve Villa’s need for cover behind Matty Cash.
Pre-season has since given Emery an opportunity to assess him at close quarters.
Nedeljkovic started the 3-1 victory over Indonesia All Stars and was also involved against BG Pathum United, while he produced a solid 45-minute appearance in the earlier friendly defeat by Porto.
His inclusion in Villa’s Super Cup squad provides the clearest indication yet that he remains under serious consideration.
Matty Cash is still Emery’s established first-choice right-back, but Andrés García’s season-long loan move to Getafe has opened a place behind him. ReadAstonVilla reported when García’s departure was confirmed.
Ezri Konsa and Lamare Bogarde can both cover the position, although moving either away from their preferred central roles is not ideal.
Nedeljkovic would offer a natural alternative without Villa having to make another immediate investment in the transfer market.
Villa paid a reported £7.8million to sign him from Red Star Belgrade in January 2024, although the club officially described the fee as undisclosed.
The challenge now is turning a promising pre-season into meaningful competitive minutes.
Another season on the fringes would offer little value for Nedeljkovic’s development. If Emery genuinely sees him as Cash’s deputy, however, the Serbian may finally have the first-team opportunity he has been waiting for.
