James Tavernier transfer talk ‘frightening’ at Rangers as Barry Ferguson speaks out
Barry Ferguson has revealed his worry at the possibility of Rangers losing star player James Tavernier in the summer transfer window.
The right-back is a target for several Saudi Pro League clubs, with former Gers manager Steven Gerrard eyeing a reunion in his new job at Al Ettifaq [90min, 4 July].
And such a situation has resulted in Rangers legend Ferguson worrying about Tavernier’s immediate future, with “frightening” sums of money available to players if they move to Saudi.
“Of course, there is always the nagging question of who might be heading out of the club in the opposite direction, and that’s why I’m a little bit concerned about speculation linking Steven Gerrard with a move for James Tavernier,” Ferguson wrote for the Daily Record.
“Look, everyone will have their own thoughts on what’s going on in Saudi Arabia at the moment and I understand why a lot of people don’t like it. But, from a purely professional point of view, I can’t blame any manager or player who ends up taking the oil money.
“The numbers we’re talking about are frightening – it’s a bottomless pit of cash – and offers are being made which are completely life changing for the guys involved. It’s a one off chance to set your entire family up for the rest of their lives.”
Worrying direction
It really is a worrying direction that football is heading in, with the likes of Jota leaving Celtic for Saudi showing that it isn’t just players leaning towards retirement age that are making the move out there.
Obviously the transfers are not for footballing reasons, and it is understandable if players want to receive these life changing sums of money, but it’s a sad situation and one that is only going to get worse as the years go on.
Fortunately, however, there are still plenty of players out there who have silverware on their mind, as well as the opportunity to play in leagues where football is the most important issue.
Rangers will be desperate for their captain fantastic Tavernier to have that viewpoint, with the club needing their leader both on and off the pitch for the coming seasons.
The recruitment has been great so far this summer, but keeping their star right-back is also massively important if they want to be successful.
In other Rangers news, an Ibrox exit route has emerged for one forgotten Gers ace as mystery shrouds an incoming deal.