Rangers beat Serie A club to Derek Cornelius transfer, deal on verge of completion
Rangers have a busy day ahead before the transfer deadline, and have agreed a deal to sign Youssef Chermiti in a big-money deal.
Everton striker Chermiti will become Rangers’ most expensive signing in 25 years, as Kevin Thelwell has insisted on a move for the 21-year-old.
Chermiti was targeted as Rangers needed attacking reinforcements following the departure of Hamza Igamane and the expected exit of Cyriel Dessers.
Defensive reinforcements are also necessary, and Rangers have now agreed another deal, as Marseille centre-back Derek Cornelius is set to follow Chermiti to Ibrox.
Rangers agree deal for Derek Cornelius
Rangers kept their first clean sheet of the season against Celtic, but the quality of the defence is still not where it needs to be.
Nasser Djiga has had a woeful start at Rangers, and there are limited other experienced options beyond John Souttar.
Exit-linked Clinton Nsiala is the only left-footed option at centre-back, and this area of the squad has now been targeted for an upgrade.
| Defender | Foot |
| John Souttar | Right |
| Nasser Djiga | Right |
| Leon King | Right |
| Clinton Nsiala | Left |
| Emmanuel Fernandez | Right |
Sky Sports have now reported that Rangers have agreed a deal to sign Cornelius on loan from Marseille, and the defender will join before the 11 pm transfer deadline.
Rangers have beaten Serie A side Cremonese to Cornelius’ signature, in a deal which can be seen as a coup.
Cornelius can also play at left-back, and will add some much-needed depth and experience to the squad.
Derek Cornelius will bring experience to Rangers
Cornelius made 25 appearances for Marseille, but has fallen down the pecking order at the Ligue 1 side, and the 27-year-old is keen on playing more regularly in a World Cup year.
The centre-back has recorded 35 caps for the Canada National Team, and will be eager to start as they host the World Cup next year.
He will arrive as a centre-back who could partner Souttar, and could also fill in at left-back, bringing a lot more experience than Nsiala or Jayden Meghoma.
Rangers fans will hope that Cornelius fares better than the last experienced centre-back they signed, with Robin Propper returning to FC Utrecht after a disastrous year at Ibrox.
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