The Departure of Frenchman Petr Cornelie, Tense Relations Between Club Management and Players… We Take Stock of the Roca Team’s Summer Transfer Window.
Following the recent recruitment of Nikola Mirotic, it is a departure that brings excitement to the week for the Roca Team. French forward Petr Cornelie leaves the club for Turkey after two emotion-filled seasons in the principality. Monaco continues its summer transfer window, more tense than ever, as tensions between management and players seem to be behind certain departures. Let’s take stock.
The Departure of Petr Cornelie
Though he still had a year remaining on his contract, Petr Cornelie’s departure was made official by the Roca Team on July 30. After two seasons in Monaco and a French championship title in the 2023-2024 season, the French forward sets off for Esenler Erokspor Istanbul. “The whole club thanks you for your professionalism, your spirit, and your highlights. We wish you all the best in the future and hope to see you again at Gaston Médecin,” stated the club on its social networks.
At 30 years old, Petr Cornelie opens a new chapter in his life after two uneven seasons in Monaco. Lacking game time this year, the French player could not leave a mark on the Roca Team’s season. In Betclic Elite, he averaged 7 points and 4.4 rebounds per match.
“These two years have been full of highs and lows, but I choose to remember the highlights: the 2024 French championship title and the 2025 EuroLeague final, which, even though it didn’t end as hoped, will remain a significant milestone in my career. I want to thank the Monegasque fans: you may not be the most numerous in Europe, but your passion and heart are immense. Thank you also to my teammates for the good times shared, the team spirit in the locker room even during tougher periods. And of course, the staff, for the trust, interactions, and great human encounters,” stated Petr Cornelie on his social networks.
A Falling Out with Management Leading to Departures?
For several weeks, relations between the management of AS Monaco Basket and the players have not been good. Trouble began with the sidelining of Mike James, who eventually returned, but was left out for a long time despite the end of his suspension. Subsequently, there was Daniel Theis, the German player who responded to his management with an enigmatic Instagram story mentioning “the truth will come out.”
Then, Mam Jaiteh, who left the club a few weeks ago, added fuel to the fire regarding the Monegasque management. “I feel that Monaco might not have done everything it should have to keep me,” he explained, reiterating his desire to stay in the principality.
Another imbroglio involving Aleksej Fedoricsev arose with the return of Yoan Makoundou to the club. He claimed he “learned the news on social media. I didn’t have any contact with the club until I was told I was going back there.”
The situation between the club’s management and the players is delicate. It seems to be steering the Roca Team’s summer transfer window, particularly concerning departures. The situation will unfold in the coming weeks.
