Crvena zvezda was awaiting a final communication from either Inter or Milan regarding 18-year-old Serbian attacking midfielder Vasilije Kostov, for whom the club wanted a transfer fee of close to 20 million euros and would not accept a lower amount. Numerous clubs were unwilling to meet this valuation, particularly at the end of the summer transfer window, as they were aware that the Serbian champion had not met its financial or sporting goals for European qualification. Arsenal had been an option earlier in the summer, while Monaco had wanted to pay 50% of the asking price.
If a transfer were to happen, Vasilije Kostov would remain at Crvena zvezda on loan. The Serbian international, who has 3 caps for his country, joined Red Star Belgrade in July 2025 and is under contract until June 2028. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is €25.00m.
