Rangers icon 'in talks' with MLS club as ex Aston Villa boss offers potential alternative post-Ibrox pathway
Former club captain bid an emotional farewell to the club in May
Rangers hero James Tavernier has become the subject of transfer interest from MLS side Charlotte FC, with boss Dean Smith reportedly ‘keen’ to get a deal over the line.
The 34-year old former Rangers skipper has been without a club since his Ibrox contract ran out in May, ending his 11-year association with the club. Since then, the right back has been linked with a move Ligue 1 and the Serie A, however Charlotte have now emerged as the frontrunners. Former Aston Villa and Leicester City gaffer Smith has expressed an interest.
Seeing Tavernier wear another badge may be a strange sight for a certain generation of Rangers supporters. The Englishman signed from Wigan Athletic in 2015 while the club were in the Scottish Championship. He subsequently helped them win a Scottish Premiership title, Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup, while also leading the team out in a Europa League final.
Rangers hero ‘in talks’ with MLS club
Sky Sports report: “Charlotte FC are in talks to sign former Rangers captain James Tavernier. It’s understood manager Dean Smith is very keen to bring the 34-year-old right-back to MLS. Tavernier is said to be assessing his options after leaving Rangers this summer – with interest also coming from Ligue 1 and Serie A.”
The North Carolina side finished seventh in the MLS last season. Notable names currently on their roster include ex Celtic winger Liel Abada and former explosive Newcastle United wide man Allan Saint-Maximin. Tavernier’s old Rangers teammate Scott Arfield also enjoyed a spell there in the twilight years of his career.
After over a decade of service Rangers have now been tasked with replacing their former skipper. New manager Derek McInnes brought in Ross McCrorie from Bristol City to patrol the right back area. Having scored 144 goals in 565 Gers appearances, the club will also have to replace Tavernier’s attacking output.
What was Tavernier’s message to Rangers fans when he left?
Upon leaving Rangers in May, Tavernier bid a heartwarming farewell. He told the club: “To the fans, my teammates and all the staff at the club. After a lot of thought, I've made the decision that this will be my final season at the club. This hasn't been an easy decision. This club has been a huge part of my life and my family's over the past 11 years.
“It's given me so much, both on and off the pitch and from the moment I arrived, I've always tried to give everything I had to represent it in the right way. To have had the honour of being made captain of this club since 2018 is something I will always be incredibly proud of. Leading this team out, wearing the armband and being trusted in that role has meant more to me than I can properly put into words.”