Rangers have officially completed their first second of the transfer deadline day, securing Canadian international central defender Derek Cornelius on a one-year loan from French Ligue 1 side Marseille, with an option to make the move permanent next summer.
The 35-time capped defender passed his medical in Paris yesterday and has now signed his contract, with the Ibrox club expected to announce the deal formally in the coming hours.
Cornelius played his final match for Les Olympiens last night, coming on as a first-half substitute in their league clash away to Lyon. The Canadian stopper, known for his composure and reading of the game, will link up with new Rangers head coach Russell Martin during the current international break, providing a timely boost to a defence that has struggled in recent weeks.
Should Rangers exercise the option to make the transfer permanent next summer, Cornelius is set to sign a preliminary four-year contract running until the end of the 2028/29 season, including his loan spell.
His arrival ends weeks of speculation linking him with moves to Italy, particularly Serie A side Cremonese, the former club of outgoing striker Cyriel Dessers. However, Cremonese have recently signed Rennes defender Mikayil Faye, clearing the path for Cornelius to complete his switch to Scotland.
Cornelius brings a wealth of experience, having impressed during his spell with Swedish champions Malmö. Over two seasons in the Allsvenskan, he won the league title both years and added the 2024 Svenska Cupen to his collection, giving him invaluable experience in winning leagues and cups, something that has been noticeably absent from the current Rangers squad.
Tall, athletic, and comfortable on the ball, Cornelius is particularly adept at playing long passes from the back, a skill Rangers have sorely missed since the departure of Connor Goldson last summer.
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Naturally left-sided, he is seen as a direct replacement for outgoing defenders Ben Davies and Robin Propper, offering much-needed balance to a backline that has been inconsistent this season.
Rangers’ makeshift solution at left-back, John Souttar, has often looked out of place, with the team stumbling to four consecutive league draws and suffering a humiliating exit from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Belgian side Club Brugge, losing 6-0 away and 9-1 on aggregate.
Cornelius’ arrival is expected to stabilise the defence and give Martin the solidity and experience his side desperately need as they look to salvage their season.
With the deal now completed, Rangers fans will be hoping that Cornelius can immediately make an impact and help the Light Blues return to winning ways, both domestically and in Europe.