Al-Ettifaq Club continues its moves to strengthen its ranks during the current transfer window, after entering the race to sign Canadian defender Derek Cornelius, a player for French club Olympique Marseille, to enhance its options in the back line.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, specializing in transfer market news, revealed via his account on the "X" platform that Al-Ettifaq is interested in acquiring the services of the Canadian defender during the current transfer window.
The Saudi club's move came after the failure of Cornelius's transfer to Spanish club Rayo Vallecano, where the deal stalled on the last day of the transfer market, leaving the player with the possibility of a new experience away from the Spanish league.
According to Romano, Al-Ettifaq has already begun initial contacts with Olympique Marseille officials and the player's representatives, to explore the possibility of reaching an agreement that would allow the deal to be completed during the remaining period of the Saudi transfer window.
Al-Ettifaq wants to finalize the Cornelius deal in the coming days, especially given the team's need to add a new defender to its roster, as part of the management's efforts to strengthen the back line before the transfer market closes.
In contrast, Cornelius is awaiting the finalization of his future after his move to Rayo Vallecano became out of consideration, while Al-Ettifaq's negotiations represent a new opportunity for the Canadian defender to continue his career in a different destination.
Negotiations between Al-Ettifaq and Olympique Marseille are still in their early stages, while the Saudi club's management continues its efforts in hopes of reaching a final agreement and finalizing the deal before the transfer window closes.