James Tavernier reacts to another major Rangers transfer announcement
Rangers captain James Tavernier has reacted after the Ibrox outfit recently released a key announcement regarding a transfer.
Tavernier is a modern-day Rangers legend, with over 500 appearances and multiple trophies won in his ten 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 that position is an area that they are seemingly looking to improve on following Russell Martin’s recent appointment as Rangers boss.
Bournemouth man Max Aarons has recently sealed a move to Ibrox, so Tavernier’s future could be up in the air ahead of the new campaign with strong competition for his starting spot from the former Norwich man, and the Gers have recently moved to bolster their defensive ranks even further.
Rangers announce Emmanuel Fernandez’ arrival from Peterborough
Football Insider revealed on 25 June that Rangers had opened talks to sign Peterborough defender Fernandez, with Martin giving the green light to move for the 23-year-old.
Those talks soon progressed, and the Gers moved to announce the signing of Fernandez on Wednesday (2 July) with an Instagram post, saying: “We are today pleased to announce the signing of (Fernandez) on a four-year deal from Peterborough,” alongside a blue heart emoji.
Their announcement was reacted to by club captain Tavernier, who left a like, while former Rangers youth product and current Bristol City man Ross McCrorie also followed suit.
Fernandez is a burly defender who can play at either centre-back or right-back, so his signing represents even more competition for Tavernier moving forward into the new season.
He broke through to become a first-team regular for the Posh last term, with five goals in 42 appearances in all competitions, and new boss Martin heralded him as a player with “a huge amount of potential” [Rangers] following his arrival at Ibrox.
Tavernier to be second-choice at right-back under new boss Martin
Football Insider verdict
Tavernier’s impact at Rangers over the last ten years can obviously not be understated, but he is getting older and spent time out of their starting eleven last season in the midst of issues with injuries and form.
Russell Martin’s arrival at Ibrox is set to be the start of a new era for all at Rangers, and the ex-Southampton head-coach is unlikely to suffer fools gladly in the search of title success in Glasgow.
Tavernier will be held to that same standard, despite his legendary status and the respect he commands, and it does look as if the 33-year-old’s days as the Gers’ main player in his position are now over following Aarons’ arrival.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 513 | 130 | 142 |
Aarons is a lot younger and fitter than his right-back counterpart, and he will not be joining Rangers to play second fiddle to Tavernier next season, and Fernandez’ signing also likely represents more forward-thinking beyond the 33-year-old’s time at the club.
Tavernier 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.