Aston Villa have reportedly been left in the dark over the future of Kosta Nedeljkovic.
In January 2024, Villa signed the talented Serbian youngster in a deal believed to be worth £8m, his ability becoming evident through his quick progression into the national team.
However, after being limited to two starts and eight substitute outings during the first half of 2024-25, the right-back was loaned out to RB Leipzig with the possibility of a permanent switch.
At a time when Villa have recently missed out on Champions League football, the income from Nedeljkovic finalising a permanent switch would be a major boost to the club's situation with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations.
According to Sky Sport Deutschland journalist Philipp Hinze, who was commenting on X, they face a wait to discover whether they will receive that previously-anticipated income.
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Leipzig to take time over Nedeljkovic
As a result of their seventh-placed finish in the Bundesliga table and Stuttgart winning the DFB Pokal, Leipzig will not have European football on their schedule next season.
There would have been a minimum expectation of the Europa League, but Leipzig will be left to focus on domestic matters during the 2025-26 campaign.
As such, club officials have been left to prioritise other matters over signing Nedeljkovic given that their finances are going to take a hit.
Furthermore, a permanent head coach needs to be appointed, subsequently resulting in time being taken over whether they decide to sign Nedeljkovic.
Although Hinze adds that Leipzig are big admirers of Nedeljkovic and the player would like to stay, the plan is to wait until at least June before finalising their stance over the prospect.
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What fee would Villa receive?
Villa stand to receive a fee of €10.5m (£8.79m) should Leipzig take up their option to sign Nedeljkovic, a marginal profit on what they paid Red Star Belgrade last year.
Despite Leipzig's relative fall from grace, Nedeljkovic has enhanced his reputation at the club with six starts and four substitute outings in the Bundesliga.
Should he return to the West Midlands, Villa will feel confident of being able to generate a sizeable fee for his signature from elsewhere.
That said, getting their accounts in order for the June 30 deadline will need to be taken into account. Regardless of Leipzig's stance, Villa will ideally want to sell Nedeljkovic before that date.
Darren Plant
