James Tavernier sends Rangers return message amid Ibrox exit whispers

James Tavernier sends Rangers return message amid Ibrox exit whispers

James Tavernier has sent a new message to Rangers supporters amid rumours of him potentially being set to leave the Glasgow giants this summer.

Tavernier is a modern-day Rangers legend, with over 500 appearances and multiple trophies won in his 10 years at the club.

The 33-year-old has been a stalwart at right-back across the majority of his time with the Glasgow giants, but his influence has waned slightly in recent seasons, and this future is up in the air following Russell Martin’s recent appointment as Rangers boss.

Football Insider revealed in April that Rangers are open to selling Tavernier this summer as he enters the final year of his contract, and Bournemouth man Max Aarons recently sealed a move to Ibrox to add strong competition to his starting spot.

The Gers moved to bolster their right-back ranks even further last week with the addition of versatile Peterborough United defender Emmanuel Fernandez, and so Tavernier could be facing an uncertain few months in terms of staying with the Glasgow giants.

Tavernier’s 10-year stay at Rangers could be coming to an end (Credit Imago)

Tavernier posts upbeat message after first game under Martin

Former scout Mick Brown revealed to Football Insider last month that Rangers are prepared to accept offers for Tavernier following Aarons’ arrival, as there is a belief that the captain’s exit could facilitate a fresh start for everybody.

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

The 33-year-old remains at Ibrox for now, however, and he took to Instagram stories on Monday (7 July) to post a message to Rangers fans after they drew 2-2 to Club Brugge in their first pre-season friendly of the summer, saying: “Good to be back,” with fist-bump and blue heart emojis.

Tavernier did not start the game at Ibrox, instead coming on at half-time in an unfamiliar centre-back role, which may well be where boss Martin sees the majority of his minutes coming from if he does stay at the club beyond the summer.

Rangers should keep Tavernier despite new right-back arrivals

Football Insider verdict

It has been a summer of change at Ibrox with Martin taking the hotseat and six new players signed already, including Bournemouth midfielder Joe Rothwell and Luton Town playmaker Thelo Aasgaard.

Five players departed the club upon the expiry of their contracts too, and more exits could be on the way with former scout Brown recently telling Football Insider that star striker Hamza Igamane is set to join Lille soon, and so the club could do with more consistency in terms of retaining a relatively similar squad to last term.

Appearances Goals Assists 513 130 142 Tavernier’s Rangers career stats

With that said, keeping Tavernier should be a no-brainer this summer for Martin, as he gets what it means to play for Rangers and leads by example every time he steps onto the pitch, while he would surely be comfortable playing at either centre-back or in central midfield if the new boss deploys him in either position.

He will surely stay on at Ibrox for another campaign yet, but it would also come as little surprise to see him move on next year at the end of his Rangers contract, and a Scottish Premiership title would be a fitting end to his years of service at the club.

Click here to read article