James Tavernier update emerges as Rangers close in on Max Aarons transfer at Ibrox
James Tavernier’s future at Rangers has remained in some doubt since the changing of hands at Ibrox this summer.
After a disastrous season for the Gers last term, Tavernier found himself under a fair bit of criticism as captain of the side.
As the Light Blues now look towards a new era under Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers, under the management of Russell Martin, there are plenty of questions over what comes next for the 33-year-old.
A new update on a transfer for Max Aarons may have shed some light on the situation.
Aarons to complete move to Rangers
Supporters at Ibrox have been waiting patiently for transfer business to get underway since the changes in Glasgow were confirmed.
With the players returning to pre-season training on Monday (23 June), ahead of Champions League qualification games, there is certainly a need to get moving in the market.
Therefore, supporters should be relieved to hear that Aarons is ready to make the move to Ibrox.
That’s according to the Daily Record (21 June, back page/54), who claim that the finishing touches of a season-long loan deal to bring the right-back to Rangers were being done on Friday evening.
Kevin Thelwell is said to have spent Friday in discussions with the current Bournemouth man, with a loan deal set to be fully agreed over the weekend.
Aarons, who plays alongside Marcus Tavernier on the South Coast, is expected to come to Ibrox and challenge Tavernier across the course of next season, rather than replace him.
Martin showing move to future with Rangers
Aarons spent the season on loan with Valencia from Bournemouth, although he made just four league appearances.
Therefore, the 25-year-old will be keen to get going in the Scottish Premiership and show exactly what he is capable of.
With Tavernier entering the final year of his contract, it looks as though he is likely to stay put but take on less of a first-team role.
| Season | Appearances | Goals |
| 2024/25 | 33 | 4 |
| 2023/24 | 38 | 17 |
| 2022/23 | 38 | 16 |
| 2021/22 | 35 | 9 |
| 2020/21 | 33 | 12 |
For too long, there has not been the appropriate competition at Ibrox to push the starting players enough to perform.
Therefore, the pair at right-back should give each other the strong challenge they need to be at their best standards, with the ability to play on the left too.
Aarons will surely be the first choice for Martin, though, as he starts to take steps in moving his Gers side towards a new era.