RB Leipzig finally find Henrichs replacement

Aston Villa’s right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic is set to sign for RB Leipzig on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Since Benjamin Henrichs ruptured his Achilles tendon in the closing stages of a 5-1 defeat to Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig were on the market for signing his replacement.

And, hours before the deadline day, they’re finally poised to find their man. Both Sky Sports Deutschland and The Athletic report that the 19-year-old Kosta Nedeljkovic landed in Leipzig from Birmingham.

The Serbian defender first made a name for himself when he recorded a top speed of 36.4 km/hr while playing for Grafičar Beograd in the Serbian First League, on loan from Red Star Belgrade.

After signing for Aston Villa last year, Nedeljkovic was back in Belgrade on a loan deal, but his time was thwarted by a season-ending knee injury. Joining Unai Emery’s side this term, the youngster featured 10 times, including the 3-2 win in Leipzig and yesterday’s defeat to Wolves. 

He played in each of the last six games for Serbia in the UEFA Nations League. Incidentally, Nedeljkovic is the 1000th player to represent the Villans in a competitive match.