Kosta packet? How Nedeljkovic's international joy has come at a cost for Aston Villa
Latest Aston Villa news as Kosta Nedeljkovic's senior debut for Serbia is reported to have cost the club another big chunk of cash as part of the terms of his January move from Red Star Belgrade
One Aston Villa player returning to Bodymoor Heath after the international break with a particular spring in his step will be Kosta Nedeljkovic after the full-back became a senior international for his country.
If the 18-year-old assumed Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic just wanted him in and around the senior squad he was to get a pleasant surprise as the January Villa recruit was thrown in at the deep end.
Tasked with dealing with Euro 2024 standout performer Nico Williams on his debut last Thursday, he helped his country to a 0-0 draw with Spain. Following that, he completed another 64 minutes in Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Denmark.
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However, the career landmark for Nedeljkovic will reportedly come at a cost for his club. According to Serbian outlet Mozzart Sport, the conditions have now been met to activate one of the clauses included in the deal to bring him to Villa Park from Red Star Belgrade.
They claim the player's senior international debut was one stipulation for Villa to pay a bonus of €1.5m (£1.2m) to the defender's former club. It is claimed this will take the total fee paid for the player to a maximum of €9m (£7.5m).
So far Nedeljkovic has made three substitute appearances for Unai Emery's side this season with the decision made against loaning the player out in the wake of Matty Cash's early-season injury. And with Champions League and EFL Cup action scheduled in the coming weeks, he may soon be in line to make his first start since his January transfer.