Derek Cornelius agrees long-term Rangers contract as transfer twist emerges on deadline day
Rangers are closing in on the signing of Marseille defender Derek Cornelius, and there has been a new development over the deal.
Cornelius is set to join Rangers on transfer deadline day as they aim to strengthen their back line, and the 27-year-old will bring much-needed experience to the defence.
The Canada International could be one of several arrivals at Rangers before the 11 pm deadline, with a big-money deal for Youssef Chermiti now agreed.
With Cornelius set to join Rangers on loan, new information over the deal has now emerged, and it reflects well on Kevin Thelwell.
Derek Cornelius to join Rangers on loan with option to buy
Cornelius is set to complete his move to Ibrox today, but rather than being a simple straight loan, there will be an option to buy the defender at the end of the season.
The Glasgow Times have now reported that Cornelius has agreed a contract until 2029, should the option be triggered at the end of his loan.
- Cornelius has made 25 appearances for Marseille, but the potential signing of West Ham defender Nayef Aguerd has pushed him down the pecking order.
- The 27-year-old has appeared 35 times for the Canada National Team.
The potential fee is not yet known, but this is a significant development, as it means that Cornelius could become a long-term arrival if he impresses.
Rangers needed Derek Cornelius
The signing of Cornelius is a positive, particularly given that there is the potential for him to stay at Ibrox beyond this season.
Nasser Djiga has had a woeful start at Rangers, and Clinton Nsiala could depart despite being the only left-footed option at centre-back.
Most of Rangers’ central defensive options are young, apart from John Souttar, and Cornelius will arrive as an experienced leader who can step up in big games.
Cornelius is left-footed, meaning Souttar can move to the right side of the defensive pairing, and the Canadian can also provide cover at left-back.
The defender could prove to be a shrewd signing, and he is a necessary addition as someone who can strengthen the current weak defence immediately.
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