OM continues to look for solutions for Derek Cornelius. As we revealed to you, the Canadian defender was followed by Sassuolo and Lecce, with a particularly marked interest from the first. At this stage, however, no negotiations had been advanced for the 28-year-old player, whose future remains linked to OM’s desire to continue its downsizing operation. After several departures already registered and other files in progress, Marseille remains open to an exit from the Canadian, who arrived to strengthen the defense but who has not completely convinced since his arrival. A loan with a purchase option always constitutes a preferred formula to allow the different parties to find a solution.
But the situation has changed in recent days. According to our information, Sassuolo is now no longer really in the race for Derek Cornelius. The Italian club had taken information and studied its profile, but other options are now favored to strengthen its defense. Lecce, for its part, still keeps an eye on the Marseillais, without having concretely accelerated on the file. The Puglia club is currently focused on several priority operations and in particular on the Ivan Ilic and Ali Dembélé files, both from Torino. The agreement for Dembélé has been announced close for several days, while discussions for Ilic have also intensified and could result in the form of a loan.
Monza joins the dance
Serie A, however, has not completely abandoned Derek Cornelius. According to our information, a new contender has just entered the race with Monza. The Lombard club, back in the Italian elite this season, is led by Ivan Juric, appointed this summer with a contract running until 2028. After the setback conceded against Inter Milan on the first day, the Croatian technician still wants to see his squad strengthened. According to our information, Juric requested reinforcement by line and central defense is therefore one of the targeted sectors. Monza is therefore looking for several profiles capable of quickly providing more guarantees and Cornelius can match this search.
The file is still at the monitoring stage and no advanced negotiations can be reported with OM. But Monza’s interest could quickly give a new dimension to the Canadian’s future, especially if Lecce remains focused on its other operations. Juric knows perfectly the requirements of the Italian championship and wishes to have a more complete squad for Monza’s return to Serie A. The Italian press also underlines that several reinforcements are still expected within the Lombard squad after this return to the elite. For Cornelius, a new way out is therefore emerging in Italy. Sassuolo has taken a step back, Lecce is keeping the matter under surveillance and Monza is now positioning itself. It remains to be seen which club will actually take action to enable OM to find a solution to this issue.
