TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Transfer
The Vancouver Whitecaps brought one of Canada’s top young talents home on Friday, announcing the signing of center back Derek Cornelius from Serbian side FK Javor Ivanjica.
The Ajax, Ontario native made 31 appearances for Javor over the past two years after beginning his professional career with German lower-division clubs VfB Lubeck and VfR Neumunster.
The 2018 Canadian Youth International Player of the Year, Cornelius, 21, earned his first three caps with the Canadian national team last year, all Concacaf Nations League qualifiers, helping Les Rouges post clean sheets in all three.
“Derek is one of the top young players in a new generation of Canadian talent,” said Whitecaps head coach Marc Dos Santos in a club release. “For his age, he has the right composure and characteristics we look for at the centre back position. We have followed his progress within Canada Soccer and believe he has developed in the right way.
“He has also been exposed to different environments and this is always good for a player’s development. We are working hard to build this roster and will be announcing additional player acquisitions very soon.”
Vancouver's fifth acquisition since Dos Santos took the helm in November, Cornelius is signed through 2020, with options for 2021 and 2022. He will officially join the 'Caps roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
