Canadian insider shares the real reason Derek Cornelius chose to join Rangers
Rangers have boosted their defensive options by signing Marseille defender Derek Cornelius on loan.
Cornelius signed for Rangers to add some much-needed quality at the back, with Russell Martin’s side winless in their first four Scottish Premiership matches.
New signing Nasser Djiga has struggled at centre-back, whilst fellow new arrival Emmanuel Fernandez has not featured frequently under Martin.
Martin is under increasing scrutiny at Ibrox, and with pressure also mounting on sporting director Kevin Thelwell, Cornelius must hit the ground running at Rangers.
But why did the Canada international join Rangers?
Derek Cornelius eyeing World Cup after Rangers switch
Ewan Sharp, a member of Jesse Marsch’s backroom staff in the Canada national team, revealed why Cornelius chose to move to G51.
Speaking to The Herald, he said: “Derek is thinking about the World Cup. He wants to play regularly, to challenge and push himself and he felt that a move to Rangers would be good for him.
“I think he will be prepared for the kind of challenge it is at Rangers. He also won the Swedish title at Malmo before he moved to Marseille. So it shouldn’t be daunting for him.”
He has made 35 caps for Canada, although he yet to score a goal for his country.
Cornelius has had a different playing career to most, embracing different challenges across Europe to help his development.
- Lubeck (Germany) – 2014 to 2016
- Javor (Serbia) – 2016 to 2019
- Vancouver Whitecaps (Canada) – 2019 to 2021
- Panetolikos (Greece) – 2021 to 2023
- Malmo (Sweden) – 2023 to 2024
- Marseille (France) – 2024/25
Rangers are on a dismal run of form, and despite the toxic atmosphere around the club, Sharp believes Cornelius is mentally strong enough to overcome any hurdles in his way.
“When things are difficult and you’re not winning games, it’s always hard for the players. If they make a mistake or have a tough game, it becomes a challenge.
“But something we have talked about as a group as we’ve prepared for the World Cup is the need to be honest. It’s how you respond in those moments that is important. Derek has already shown that he’s resilient.
“He’s definitely had experience of that. It bodes well for him when he goes to Ibrox and plays for Rangers.
The Light Blues are in a position of turmoil and Cornelius should walk straight into the team for the next match against league leaders Hearts.
What attributes Derek Cornelius can bring to Rangers
Cornelius is 6ft 2in, making him an imposing figure at the back, yet he can also be a creator from deep.
| Stat (per cent) | Cornelius’ Ligue 1 |
| Pass accuracy | 93.8 |
| Tackles won | 70.8 |
| Aerial duels won | 66.7 |
| Duels won | 59.8 |
“At Rangers, there will be a mix of games. In some games they’re going to have more of the ball and teams are going to try to play on the counter against them.
“I think Russell Martin wants Derek to play out from the back and break lines. But he’s also able to play aggressively and use his athleticism and defensive skills to put out fires as well.
“I’ve spoken to Derek and he’s excited about going to the club. He spoke with Russell and other people at Rangers and he felt they were really keen to get him in, really excited about adding him to the squad.”
His underlying stats and his reputation for his national team means Rangers can look forward to seeing their new centre-back in action.
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