James Tavernier transfer ‘surprise’ emerges after new Rangers manager claim
James Tavernier will be in the headlines at Rangers until next summer, with his future at Ibrox uncertain.
The right-back is set to complete a decade at the Gers, having captained the team to a few titles during his time in Glasgow.
Tavernier’s current contract at Ibrox runs until 2026, but there’s been speculation about his future at the Light Blues, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Englishman leave soon.
Barry Ferguson replaced Philippe Clement as interim manager until the end of the season, and the arrival of a new head coach could potentially affect the 33-year-old defender’s future.
Rangers exit on cards for Tavernier under new boss
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Tavernier leave the Bears in the upcoming transfer window, Chris Jack says.
The Scottish journalist believes the next permanent manager at the Gers will have an easy decision to make with the right-back, as an exit may be on the cards.
| Competition (2024/25) | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Scottish Premiership | 28 | 4 | 7 |
Jack feels that with a new era about to begin at the Light Blues after the potential takeover, the 33-year-old could potentially end his decade-long stay.
Speaking on the Rangers Review (25 April), the journalist said: “Are we in the final weeks of Tavernier as a Rangers player? It wouldn’t surprise me. I think you get to the stage where there’s such enthusiasm for next season. It’s a feeling of a fresh start, new direction and a new era.
“I think it’s almost a bigger call for the new manager to keep Tavernier than to sell him. And that’s probably the first time that’s been the case at any stage over the last 10 years of his career. It’s now easier to make that call to move him on.”
Ibrox needs squad overhaul after American takeover
Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises will soon make their way to the Gers, with some fans bursting with excitement for what’s to come.
The US consortium have reached a breakthrough to acquire 51 per cent controlling shares at the Light Blues, and their arrival is expected sooner rather than later.
With the American owners ready to invest in the Glaswegian outfit, there’s a sense of expectation around Ibrox, with the upcoming transfer window one of their first tests at the Bears.
Tavernier has been a loyal servant at Rangers, but his defensive frailties have come to the fore this season, leading to calls for his exclusion from the starting lineup.
The Gers don’t have many options on the right-hand side of defence, with Neraysho Kasanwirjo picking up an injury at Ibrox early on in the campaign and Dujon Sterling also unreliable.
Kevin Thelwell, who’s set to join the Bears next summer as the new sporting director, will arguably be tasked with reshaping the backline.
Apart from John Souttar, none of the other defenders have lived up to expectations this season, and it’ll be interesting to see who’ll start for the Glaswegian outfit next season.