James Tavernier to pass Luca Stephenson Rangers baton as Ibrox switch-up expected
James Tavernier’s Rangers exit means the Bears will need to sign a new right-back this summer, and Luca Stephenson is on their radar.
The long-time Gers skipper announced that he will leave Ibrox this Wednesday, splitting the opinion of the fanbase, with some admitting it was time for him to leave.
Regardless, a new era awaits in Glasgow, but it will certainly be big boots to fill for anyone that comes in as Tavernier’s replacement.
The right-back has put up numbers that no football fan would believe unless you showed them, and it will take someone special to carry on his legacy in the position.
However, Rangers have an eye on Dundee United loanee Stephenson, as the 49ers could reach out to his parent club, Liverpool, this summer.
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Luca Stephenson likely to leave Liverpool this summer
Stephenson has already auditioned for Danny Rohl earlier this season, when the right-back featured in his sides 4-2 loss to Rangers at the start of April.
The 22-year-old has been injured with a hamstring problem since the game, but his numbers this season prove he’s pushing for a step above Dundee United this summer.
| Area of game | Stats |
| Games | 29 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Chances created | 29 |
| FotMob rating | 7.08 |
Straight away his number catch the eye, and are reminiscent of what Tavernier has been capable of for the Bears for so many years.
The Liverpool loanee has two years worth of Scottish Premiership experience now, spending the entirety of last campaign with Dundee United, too.
Though he’s not quite reaching Tavernier’s numbers yet, he is the type of player that the 49ers will be in the market for to replace him this summer.
Stephenson is unlikely to break into Arne Slot’s Liverpool side with the likes of Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley ahead of him, as an Anfield departure is expected soon.
How did Stephenson play against Rangers
As previously mentioned, Stephenson has been out injured since Gers beat Dundee United, but scouts had plenty of evidence from the game to suggest that he’s the real deal.
The Englishman was a catalyst for Jim Goodwin’s side to get back into the game, setting up the goal that made it 3-2, before Bojan Miovski sealed victory at Ibrox.
- He created two chances
- Stephenson completed 100% of his dribbles
- The Liverpool loanee had a 67% long ball accuracy
Rohl had a front-row seat to watch the youngster go about his business and was most likely left impressed by his willingness to bomb forward consistently.
Stephenson has time to progress and develop his game, and it would be no surprise to see Rangers make a concrete attempt to buy him this summer.
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