Nico Raskin sends two-word message to James Tavernier amid Rangers exit rumours
James Tavernier received a heartfelt message from midfielder Nico Raskin as rumours swirl around the legend’s future at Rangers.
The 33-year-old right-back has been under pressure at Ibrox over the last couple of seasons, often being caught out in defence due to his loss and pace and poor positioning.
Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Tavernier should be “binned” by Rangers ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, but the veteran appears to be trusted under new manager Russell Martin.
Max Aarons, who is much younger, versatile, and speedier, has joined on loan for the upcoming season, and his arrival has seen the experienced right-back pushed into a centre-back spot.
The Gers next face Panathinaikos on Tuesday, 22 July, in a Champions League qualification game, before a friendly against Middlesbrough is sandwiched between the first and second legs.
Nico Raskin sends message to Rangers star
Taking to Instagram stories (21 July), Raskin shared an image from the Gers’ training alongside Tavernier, simply captioning the post: “My skipper,” with a blue heart.
The 33-year-old has become a legend during his decade at the club, making over 500 appearances since joining from Wigan Athletic, notching 130 goals and 142 assists from full-back.
Mick Brown told Football Insider that Rangers plan to accept an offer for Tavernier, with Saudi Pro League sides taking a serious interest in the player in the previous two windows.
Russell Martin facing tough first summer at Ibrox
Despite deals being done for Aarons, Joe Rothwell, Emmanuel Fernandez, Djeidi Gassama, Nasser Djiga, and Thelo Aasgaard, there is still plenty of business to be done before the summer is out.
No major exits have yet been sealed, though that could change very soon. Football Insider understands that the squad could be built around Raskin and Hamza Igamane.
Both players were key for the Light Blues last season, which is exactly why Igamane continues to be linked with a Rangers exit, though Lille’s move for the talented striker appears to have fallen through.
Cyriel Dessers’ exit from Rangers has also hit a roadblock, but if either striker is to leave this summer, Martin will likely be seen to replace them ahead of next season.
The new manager is making changes to suit his playing style, as expected, and supporters are excited for another era under the owners, but it is unlikely to be an easy transition.
The main goal for the fans will be catching Old Firm rivals Celtic on and off the pitch, but with Brendan Rodgers’ side going from strength to strength, that will not be simple either.