The rumour mill has been sent into overdrive by Michael Beale’s reunion with Steven Gerrard – with speculation that Rangers captain James Tavernier could follow him.
The 33-year-old was previously touted with a move to join Liverpool icon Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq last summer and was also wanted by Trabzonspor – but remained at Ibrox as he looked to launch a push for the Scottish Premiership title. However, things haven’t gone to plan for the right-back so far this term as he has struggled to capture his best from with Philippe Clement turning to Dujon Sterling and Neraysho Kasanwirjo on the right side on the defence with goalkeeper Jack Butland being handed the Rangers armband in the absence of the skipper.
But after Beale returned to his role as Gerrard‘s assistant the rumours have only ramped up that Tavernier could be next to join the Light Blues’ reunion in the Saudi Pro League. One punter posted to X responding to the move for the ex Sunderland boss to the Middle East: “Tavernier to Saudi written all over it.”
Another chimed in: “If they can get him out of his contract Tavernier will be away.” One rounded off: “Makes sense for him to go if we can get the money.”
Beale hasn’t been shy in praising Tavernier during his time as both Ibrox assistant and boss – stating back in 2023: “When I came in 2018 as one of the assistants, James had inherited the captaincy before we came in and he kept it.
“He certainly was then more of a captain in terms of his performances on the pitch and around the building. There were other people equally as strong or more stronger than him, in terms of personality and in terms of driving standards.”
After Beale was shown the door, Tavernier was quick to defend his ally: “As a team or a player you never want to see your manager go. Collectively, as a team, we all feel responsible. We know that performances haven’t been there but ultimately it’s results that have cost us this season.”
But a good relationship between the pair may not be enough to tempt Tavernier to leave Govan. Amid swirling rumours that he could move to Turkey before the end of the transfer window last summer, the defender looked to emphatically close the door and give Rangers fans a clear stance on his future.
He said:”I addressed it towards the end of last season, I am fully committed to the job in hand. That’s where my mindset will always be, fully committed, coming day by day and trying my extreme hardest to push myself and the team on.”
But could things have changed since those comments in August, having dropped down the pecking order? Former Ibrox skipper previously noted that Tavernier’s stance could change if he felt he wasn’t making an impact at the club.
The ex-captain said: “If you felt you could still make a contribution to the team, you would stay at Rangers because you want to try and win trophies and play in front of 50,000 fans. But there comes a stage where even though your head can still do it, your legs just start to give up.”
As it stands Tavernier appears to have made his views clear over a potential departure. But after a tough campaign, could his views have changed with 18 months remaining on his contract?