Red Star Belgrade’s general director is delighted about a deal which took Kosta Nedeljkovic to Aston Villa while explaining exactly how much the Premier League outfit have paid for the Serbian right-back.
Aston Villa’s first signing of the January window might not hog too many headlines. But when you consider Unai Emery’s superb track record when it comes to helping players realise their potential – particularly in the full-back area – the rather under-the-radar addition of Kosta Nedeljkovic could yet prove to be an inspired piece of business.
The teenager moves to the Midlands having featured in the Champions League for Red Star Belgrade this season, doing a fine job up against former Villa skipper Jack Grealish during a 3-2 defeat to Manchester City.
And Zvezdan Terzic, the ‘Crvena Zvezda’ chief, feels that such an arrangement can only benefit the Serbian giants. Bot just now but in the future too.
Aston Villa sign Red Star Belgrade starlet
“The market value is what someone is willing to pay. Each player is worth exactly what someone is willing to pay, like everything else in life,” Terzic tells TV Arena.
Villa, he says, paid £7.7 million for a player who only celebrated his 18th birthday in December.
“The price of nine million euros, and 15 per cent (sell on clause), is a really serious price for a player who plays in the right-back position. And that should be accepted as a reality. We are impressed that we made the transfer to the Premier League,” Terzic smiles.
“Reputationally, it means a lot for Red Star because it is an indicator that the club has players not only for the top five, but also for the most demanding league in the world. The Premier League.”
Kosta Nedeljkovic tipped for a big future
Nedeljkovic is unlikely to establish himself as a first-team regular immediately at Villa Park. He may instead look to hone his talents with the Under-23 side, while providing back-up for the club’s only natural right-sided defender Matty Cash. Ezri Konsa has, however, filled in effectively in a wider role of late.
Aston Villa, HITC has been told, have made a bid to bring in fellow youngster Morgan Rogers from Middlesbrough but look set to miss out on highly-rated Iceland goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson to Brentford.
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