RANGERS Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Derek Cornelius on a season-long loan deal from Marseille, subject to visa and international clearance.
The defender, 27, will make the temporary switch to the Gers for the campaign with the club having the option to make the move permanent in the summer of 2026.
Cornelius makes the move from the French club who he joined last summer from Swedish side Malmo, making 23 appearances during the last campaign across both Ligue 1 and Coupe De France.
Born in Ajax, Ontario, in Canada, the centre-back began his youth career with Ajax SC before spells with Spartacus SC, Unionville Milliken SC and VfB Lübeck, where he made his first steps in senior football at the German club, making a sole appearance in 2016.
Spells with VfR Neumünster of Germany and FK Javor Ivanjica of Serbia followed before he returned to his native homeland with Vancouver Whitecaps in 2019, where he spent three seasons, which also included a loan spell with Panetolikos FC in 2021.
He then made the move to Malmo where he spent a year, scoring five times from defence in 37 outings before then spending a season in France’s top flight in the most recent campaign.
A fully fledged Canadian international, the defender has been capped on 35 occasions for his country, making his debut back in September 2018.
He was also named in their squad for the Copa America in the summer of 2024 and will now put pen to paper on the deal with the Gers before linking up with his national side for their friendly matches against both Romania and Wales over the break.
Speaking after signing for Rangers, Cornelius commented: “I am excited to be here, and I am excited to finally get going.
“What excited me is that it is such a massive club with such a passionate fanbase so that is always exciting playing in front of fans that are going to support you and really push you over the edge.
“It is always something that every footballer looks forward to, so I am looking forward to playing in front of these supporters, giving it my all and winning a lot of matches.”
Head Coach Russell Martin said: “We are delighted to welcome Derek to Rangers.
“His experience and leadership will be vital in enhancing our backline whilst adding a left-sided defender adds further balance to the squad.
“He featured heavily in a top league last season, highlighting his qualities, and we are confident he will shine further in a Rangers jersey.
“I am looking forward to working with him following the conclusion of the international break.”
Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell added: “Derek is a player we have tracked during his time in Ligue 1 and we feel his defensive and leadership abilities will enhance what we already have in the building.
“Being capped 35 times for your nation is no mean feat and we feel that experience at both international, as well as club level, will only help the group continue to grow.”
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