Derek Cornelius arrives in Glasgow for Rangers signing as Ibrox transfer blizzard continues

Rangers are closing in on a deadline day deal for Marseille defender Derek Cornelius.

Russell Martin is under huge pressure at Rangers, and it seems his answer to finding some form is to sign more players to counter the terrible signings already made this summer.

Marseille and Canada defender Cornelius looks set to add some much-needed quality to the Ibrox defence, with new signings Emmanuel Fernandez and Nasser Djiga struggling at the back since their arrivals in Govan.

It’s been reported elsewhere this summer that Marseille want £3.4million for Cornelius. However, it doesn’t look like Rangers will have to pay this, with the deal only being a loan.

Rangers manager Russell Martin speaking at a press conference
Credit: Imago

Youssef Chermiti to also join Rangers on deadline day

It’s been a busy day so far at Rangers.

Everton striker Youssef Chermiti has arrived at Auchenhowie ahead of signing in a deal that will add up to around £10million once add-ons are included.

STV journalist Raman Bhardwaj reported via X on Monday that Cornelius is also in Glasgow to finalise his loan move from Marseille to Ibrox.

Chermiti has passed his Rangers medical, and it only seems a matter of time before the same is done for future teammate Cornelius.

After signing for Marseille from Swedish side Malmo in 2024, Cornelius has gone on to make 25 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 club.

The 27-year-old from Ontario has been capped by Canada 35 times and Rangers are set to become the eighth club of his senior career.

Derek Cornelius wearing a Marseille training top, looking the right
Credit: Imago

Roberto De Zerbi once threatened to quit French football over Derek Cornelius incident

Former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi vowed to never coach again in France last season after Cornelius was sent off in a 3-0 defeat to Auxerre.

Cornelius was shown two yellow cards in the 38th and 63rd minute, much to the disgust of Marseille manager De Zerbi, who called the officiating “scandalous”.

 “I’m Italian, and after OM I’m not going to coach in France again,” said De Zerbi when raging about Cornelius’ sending-off against Auxerre.

“There’s a problem in the French championship, if French people are happy with this level of decision making, then good for them.

“But today it was scandalous. The referee was not in a serene position to referee this match because of all the controversy surrounding him.”

Rangers fans will certainly hope that Cornelius isn’t at the centre of anything so controversial in the Scottish Premiership.

However, given the standards of officiating in SPFL matches, you can never rule it out.

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