Tavernier about turn sees 'major pay rise' Gers exit decision
09/13/2024 07:30 AM
With speculation beginning at the end of last season, few expected James Tavernier to still be a Rangers player when the transfer window shut.
An injury in pre-season had its legitimacy questioned before Dujon Sterling suffered a similar fate and the skipper was brought back into the starting line-up.
Links to Saudi Arabia seemed the strongest, then an offer from Trabzonspor was rejected before recent reports of interest from multiple clubs in Turkey and Qatar.
James Tavernier makes Rangers transfer decision
The fall-out from the Old Firm derby was said to have agitated Tavernier but it now looks like a decision has been made on his future.
According to HITC, James Tavernier will remain a Rangers player, for this season at least.
Philippe Clement has spoken in the past about his desire to retain the captain.
Claims from Turkey back this up with the price-tag placed on the right-back's head said to be £5.5m.
Transfer journalist Graeme Bailey has reported that Tavernier has turned down a bumper pay rise to stay and fight for his place at Rangers as pressure at Ibrox continues to mount:
"Sources with knowledge of the situation have confirmed to HITC that after considering his options, Tavernier has decided to stay to despite the fact he could have received a major pay rise in Turkey.
"Tavernier believes he has 'unfinished' business and he does not want to appear he is deserting the club merely because of the criticism directed at him by what he acknowledges is a 'minority' of Rangers fans."
Tavernier might regret Rangers stay
James Tavernier might well have decided that he is in it for the long haul at Rangers, however, this doesn't mean that the Hall of Fame member should get any special treatment from the manager.
The 32-year old has started the season slowly and had a nightmare Old Firm derby – not for the first time either.
When Connor Goldson suffered a similar slip last season, he was given a chance to play himself into form, when he didn't, he was dropped.
The difference with Tavernier, is that he has better defending, younger, more dynamic right-backs waiting to take his place.
Sterling totally nullified Jason Sancho in pre-season whilst Neraysho Kasanwirjo hasn't been signed to sit on the bench given his pedigree and Clement claiming he will be a "big asset" for the club.
Tavernier's status as captain should have no bearing on whether or not he plays.
Clement spoke in pre-season about protecting Tavernier's fitness in terms of how many minutes he plays this season with his 33rd birthday just around the corner.
So far, he has played every game.
Rangers fans will want to see changes.
Despite deciding to stay, if Tavernier's form doesn't pick up, he could well be watching from the bench.
