RANGERS have completed a move for their FIFTH new defender of the summer.
Russell Martin was keen to bolster his backline after the disastrous 9-1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off.
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Rangers have completed the loan signing of Derek Cornelius from Marseille.
They’ll have the option to buy him next summer.
The defender can play as either a left-back or centre-back, both areas which Martin was keen to strengthen.
Cornelius told the official club website: “I am excited to be here, and I am excited to finally get going.
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“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.”
Summer departures for Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz meant new loanee Jayden Meghoma was Gers’ only natural defender on the left, with Max Aarons failing to convince when playing there out of position.
But Cornelius was told by Marseille boss Roberto de Zerbi that he was free to leave this window, igniting Gers’ interest.
Boss 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.”
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano first broke the news that the Ibrox club were swooping to add Cornelius to their long list of summer recruits.
Canadian outlet TSN later added that Gers were looking for a loan agreement with an option to buy.
Now the Light Blues have confirmed the defender as their latest recruit.
He made 23 appearances for Marseille last term but was made available for transfer following the arrival of former Hibs loanee CJ Egan-Riley.
The Englishman joined the Ligue 1 side from Burnley in May and started both league games against Rennes and Paris FC alongside Leonardo Balerdi.
Left-footed Cornelius came on for a very short cameo against Paris FC in the first game of the season but was an unused sub against Rennes.
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Cornelius has been capped 35 times by Canada where he has starred alongside Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston.
He becomes the latest Canadian international to join the club since Scott Arfield left in 2023.
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