Tavernier posts training update after mooted Rangers replacement Aarons deal agreed
Rangers captain James Tavernier has posted a new update on Instagram as his club close in on a move for Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons.
Tavernier is a modern-day Gers legend, with over 500 appearances and multiple trophies won in his ten years at the club so far.
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 times.
Rangers are looking to buck the trend of Celtic success in the Scottish Premiership right now, with the Bhoys having won each of the last four titles, and they are set to be active in this summer’s transfer window to try and close the gap next season.
Right-back is an area that they are seemingly looking to improve on, with Bournemouth man Max Aarons currently closing in on a move to Ibrox, and 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.
Tavernier releases training update as Aarons nears a move to Rangers
Aarons spent the second-half of last season on loan at Valencia, and he is now set to leave Bournemouth once again to join the Gers on loan for the 2025/26 campaign.
Tavernier recently insisted that he was as “settled” as he has ever been at the club [Daily Record], but Aarons impending arrival could spell danger for him in Russell Martin’s side.
The 33-year-old has taken to Instagram amid reports of Aarons joining, sharing a post of him in individual training to his story, with a simple fist-bump emoji to signify his off-season work.
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, with a new play-style and culture that all of his players will have to buy into as soon as possible.
Tavernier will be the same, despite his legendary status and the respect he commands, with the ex-Southampton head-coach unlikely to suffer fools gladly in the search of success in Glasgow.
| 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, so it does look as if the 33-year-old’s days as the Gers’ main player in his position are now over.
He will likely stay 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.