James Tavernier to see out career at Rangers in new Ibrox contract claim
Rangers could potentially offer James Tavernier a new contract at Ibrox.
The 33-year-old has completed a decade at the Gers and still has one year left on his current deal.
Russell Martin has relied on Tavernier at the start of the season. However, the defender was dropped from the starting lineup against Viktoria Plzen in the UEFA Champions League on 5 August.
Max Aarons will return to Bournemouth once his loan spell expires at the end of the season, giving the Glaswegian outfit a massive decision to make regarding their captain.
Rangers to offer Tavernier a new contract
Tavernier could potentially stay at the Gers beyond the end of this season, Fraser Wilson says.
The Scottish journalist feels the 33-year-old may spend the final years of his career at Ibrox and continue to contribute to the Light Blues.
Wilson suggests that the right-back is satisfied with his situation at the Glaswegian outfit, and he’s looked up to in the changing room.
Speaking on Game On (8 August), the journalist said: “I wouldn’t put it beyond Tavernier being there beyond next summer. I could see him seeing out his career there. He seems to enjoy it. He’s comfortable.
“[He divides the opinions of] the fans. Doesn’t divide the opinion of the changing room.”
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Kevin Thelwell will have Tavernier priority at Ibrox next summer
Tavernier can’t continue to be the first-choice at Ibrox, and his influence in the starting lineup needs to diminish gradually.
While supporters are grateful for what the 33-year-old has done at the Gers, his inconsistent performances have divided opinions among the fanbase.
There is a large consensus in G51 that the veteran English defender’s replacement has been needed at the Glaswegian outfit for some time now.
Aarons’ arrival at Rangers seemingly signalled that Tavernier’s role at Ibrox wouldn’t be prominent this season, but the Bournemouth loanee has primarily played at left-back.
- Tavernier signed for the Gers in 2015.
- The 33-year-old helped the Light Blues win the Scottish Premiership in 2021 after a 10-year wait.
- After last season, the veteran right-back is due for a testimonial at Ibrox.
It looks like Martin feels Tavernier is the best option for the right side of his defence, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Gers extend his stay beyond the current campaign.
The Light Blues must prioritise the signing of a reliable replacement for the 33-year-old next summer, even if he extends his contract, as Dujon Sterling’s injury issues make him unreliable.
It will also be interesting to see whether Aarons’ loan move to the Glaswegian outfit will be made permanent.
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