‘Astonishing’ James Tavernier Rangers exit on cards amid Saudi transfer interest
Andy Townsend believes James Tavernier could leave Rangers this summer amid interest from Saudi Arabia while live on talkSPORT.
Speaking on the breakfast show (27 May), the pundit was discussing the Scottish Cup final defeat to Celtic and the rebuild the Ibrox club face this summer.
Tavernier was once again the club’s top scorer this season and was praised for his “incredible” campaign, but with Saudi clubs reportedly interested in taking him away from the club, Townsend admitted he would understand if the right-back opted to move on.
“James Tavernier, what an incredible season he has had, again, in terms of numbers, astonishing,” he said.
“I tell you what, I would have thought there would have been others who were interested in taking him.
“If there is interest from Saudi I can understand – from his personal point of view – he would maybe like a shot.”
Rangers must begin a new era with new faces
Philippe Clement has earned the trust of the fans at Ibrox since taking over in October, but there are question marks after yet another failure to beat Celtic.
The Belgian has already admitted there will be big changes at the club this summer, with the team having reached the end of its cycle and a host of players likely to leave as well as join.
The manager has made it clear that he expects to keep Tavernier for next season, but with finances tight and a major rebuild needed a big bid from Saudi could potentially change that stance.
Tavernier could easily move on and earn a huge chunk of cash at the end of his contract, and Rangers already have Dujon Sterling in the squad who can step up and take his spot.
It’s a big decision because he’s the captain and an influential player, but a new era at the club should be ushered in with new faces and not many would be too disappointed to see him leave.
In other Rangers news, a report has named which Ibrox loanee is most likely to be part of the squad next season.
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