Max Aarons has done enough to cause Rangers transfer headache – here’s why
Sooner rather than later, Rangers will have to secure the future of their right-back position.
James Tavernier, as evergreen as the Rangers legend is proving to be, is now 34-years old and out of contract at Ibrox this summer.
Replacing Tavernier is going to be extremely difficult, with his over 550 appearances and 142 goals showcasing the size of the boots someone must fill.
Therefore, it’s a hugely important decision that Gers must get right when the time comes, and so it’s one that the Ibrox hierarchy will surely already be planning for.
Max Aarons can be Rangers’ James Tavernier successor
One such candidate to succeed Tavernier could be Max Aarons, with the 26-year-old currently in Glasgow on a season-long loan from Bournemouth.
Having racked up a significant amount of Premier League experience with both Norwich and Bournemouth, as well as playing a handful of LaLiga games for Valencia last term, Aarons has some eye-catching pedigree.
Unfortunately though, Tavernier’s unwillingness to ride off into the Ibrox sunset has made it hard for him to play regular football this season, with just 17 appearances in the Scottish Premiership.
He has, however, turned out 31 times in all competitions, and when he’s been given the chance to impress, he’s largely done so.
As per Sofascore, Aarons has completed 67 per cent of his dribbles successfully in the league this season, whilst also making zero errors that have led to either a single shot or goal from the opposition.
Meanwhile, he’s also recorded a goal conversion rate of 17 per cent, which is pretty impressive for a full-back, and has also won 69 per cent of his total duels.
This has seen him post impressive underlying numbers in both attack and defence, which is crucial when it comes to replacing Tavernier, as any player tasked with doing so will need to be strong at both ends of the pitch.
Aarons has already hinted at Rangers return
With no option or obligation to purchase him at the end of this season, Aarons is set to head back to Bournemouth this summer.
However, his chances of carving out a big role for the Cherries look slim, and so at 26 and in the prime of his career, finding a permanent home where he can player regularly is sure to be a priority for him.
And, Ibrox seems to have gotten under his skin too, as he revealed in a December 2025 interview via BBC Sport that he was definitely open to remaining in Glasgow on a permanent basis.
“For sure,” Aarons said when quizzed on the possibility of staying with Rangers.
“Playing for this club and playing at Ibrox are amazing experiences and what you want to be playing in as a player.
“The start was disappointing, but since the new manger has come in it’s been great, I feel really confident. In terms of how I feel here, I’m loving it.”
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