James Tavernier told to complete Rangers exit after Saudi Pro League transfer update
Derek Ferguson has told Rangers captain James Tavernier to move to the Saudi Pro League this summer following the Gers’ Scottish Cup defeat to Celtic.
The Englishman has been linked with a move away from Ibrox this summer, with reports suggesting that Steven Gerrard is keen to bring the 32-year-old to Al-Ettifaq when the window opens [Daily Record, 24 April].
Although Ferguson has been a supporter of Tavenier and heaped praise on his performances this season, he admits that the time has come for the right-back to leave Glasgow with his head held high.
Speaking on The Open Goal YouTube channel (28 May, 39:00) he said: “I think he should, I think it’s his time.
“He’s been excellent for us, his stats we can talk about that and I do get frustrated with people, but I just think it his time. Why would you not (go to Saudi)? Go made a few bob for yourself and you’ll go away with a lot of praise from Rangers supporters for what you’ve done.”
Will Rangers sell James Tavernier during the summer transfer window at Ibrox?
Every Rangers fan will agree that Tavernier is a modern-day legend, but that doesn’t mean that he is exempt from criticism and it certainly doesn’t mean that he should remain in Glasgow beyond the summer window.
Against Celtic at Hampden Park, the Englishman was repeatedly caught out by long diagonal balls and while Daizen Maeda failed to take advantage of his poor positioning, it still showed that Tavernier’s best days may be behind him.
Philippe Clement is going to make several changes to his squad over the next few months and should the right offer be made before the start of next season, the Belgian would certainly have to accept it.
From the skipper’s perspective, he may feel has more to offer in a Gers’ shirt but this could be too good an opportunity to turn down. He would leave Glasgow a legend and be able to make some excellent money in the world’s richest league.
This is certainly a saga to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.
In other Rangers news, Todd Cantwell is “dispensable” heading into the summer transfer window in Glasgow
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