Rangers 'weighing up' contract extension for key player as veteran star enters final months of Ibrox deal
The Gers ace has spent a decade in Glasgow but his future at the club is uncertain
Resolving the future of club captain James Tavernier will be a key decision for Rangers this summer as the 34-year-old approaches the final months of his contract at Ibrox.
The former Newcastle United star signed for the Gers from Wigan Athletic for just £200,000 in 2015 and has represented the Glasgow giants 558 times in a stand-out career which has yielded one Scottish Premiership trophy, the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup in addition to a Europa League runners-up medal in 2021/22.
Tavernier remains a key part of the Rangers side which has mounted a title challenge under Danny Rohl this term, currently just three points off top spot ahead of a clash with Aberdeen at Ibrox on Saturday. But yet, there remain doubts over whether Tavernier will be kept by the club after his contract expires at the end of the season.
Rangers hierarchy ‘weighing up’ Tavernier future as deal nears end
As reported by Football Insider, Rangers are ‘weighing up’ the future of Tavernier as they consider whether to offer the veteran right-back a new contract this summer.
The Light Blues skipper has been linked with moves away on a regular basis in recent seasons, particularly when former boss Steven Gerrard managed at Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, and these noises are ‘not going away’.
Reporting continues that Tavernier’s age is considered to be a ‘major concern’ and talks have not yet opened with the skipper, who earns a reported £30,000 per week and is one of the club’s highest-paid players after a loyal 11 years at Ibrox. But while getting his wages off the bill could free up considerable space this summer, the Gers have always struggled to replace their captain’s creativity and influence from full-back – something which has continued this term.
Tavernier remains a key player for Rangers under Rohl
As speculation around his future continues to build, it is clear that Tavernier remains an important part of Rohl’s side at Ibrox. No Rangers player has more than Tavernier’s 11 goal contributions in the Scottish Premiership this season, and he has topped the charts in five of the last six seasons at Ibrox. He has also created by far and away the most chances for his side this term, 20 ahead of second-placed Nico Raskin, and it is clear that the 34-year-old is far from being over the hill when it comes to making a decisive impact on games.
The decision left for the Rangers hierarchy to make is clear – they must weigh up whether losing out on Tavernier’s creativity and match-winning ability is worth it to get the veteran star off the wage bill. His defensive qualities have been questioned at times this term, while his influence in the dressing room and in setting the standards off the pitch must also be considered as the Gers continue to undergo a rebuild under new ownership 49ers Enterprises.
Football Insider conclude their report by stating that ‘it would appear the hierarchy are leaning towards keeping him for at least another season’. It appears, therefore, that good news could be on the way for Tavernier, but a final decision has not yet been reached and the rumours will continue to swirl until an official announcement is made by the club.