Ex-Rangers defender Derek Cornelius could be on the move again, with Rayo Vallecano in talks to sign the Canadian international from Marseille.
Fabrizio Romano reports that negotiations are ongoing over a loan deal which would include an option to buy, potentially bringing another chapter to a turbulent period in the defender’s career.
The 28-year-old spent last season on loan at Rangers but his spell at Ibrox ultimately ended in controversial circumstances.
Cornelius initially arrived in Glasgow as an experienced option for the Rangers defence, but his time at the club was disrupted by injury.
He suffered a knock early in Danny Rohl’s tenure and never played for Rangers again after November, despite eventually returning to fitness.
Derek Cornelius exiled by Danny Rohl at Rangers
The defender's situation became particularly unusual when he was demoted to training with Rangers' academy rather than remaining with the first team.
Reports at the time from Jack Cranmer revealed Cornelius had been told to train with Malky Thomson's second string at the Rangers Training Centre, with his equipment also reportedly moved out of the first-team complex.
Rohl subsequently made it clear that he was happy with the defensive group already at his disposal, leaving Cornelius facing a difficult route back into the team.
The situation became a talking point when Canada boss Jesse Marsch addressed Cornelius' circumstances while explaining his decision to select the defender for international duty.
Marsch admitted that he had attempted to mediate between Cornelius and Rangers, but communication had broken down.
“Some of the conversation that I translated from one to the other got lost in translation,” Marsch said.
“This led to a situation that wasn’t advantageous for Derek or for the team.”
“I tried to then revisit a conversation with Derek and Danny to get things moving in the right direction as smoothly as possible.”
The defender subsequently remained involved with Canada, including during the period surrounding the 2026 World Cup, despite being unable to force his way back into Röhl's plans at Ibrox.
Cornelius never made another Rangers appearance before the end of the season.
Change at Ibrox
Rohl has since left Rangers, taking over at RB Salzburg earlier this summer, with Derek McInnes replacing him as Rangers boss.
Romano reports that Rayo Vallecano are negotiating with Marseille over a loan deal with an option to buy.
The proposed move to Spain could provide Cornelius an opportunity to put the difficult Rangers episode behind him and re-establish himself at club level.
The defender remains an important player for Canada and his international involvement has continued despite his lack of football in Glasgow.
Rangers, meanwhile, have moved on with McInnes in charge and their central defensive options confirmed for the new season.
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