James Tavernier has stated that rumors that he would leave the Rangers are untrue, but he also acknowledged that it is “unbelievable” that his manager is publicly endorsing him.
On April 29, the Ibrox captain stated to Sky Sports Scotland that his dedication to the cause in Glasgow would not be impacted by the ongoing rumors, which have been circulating for a year and suggested that a Saudi move to join Steven Gerrard in the Middle East was imminent.
The 32-year-old expressed his gratitude for Philippe Clement’s backing while focusing on putting in a lot of effort for Rangers, without specifically ruling out the prospect of leaving the team.
“Yes, it’s obviously unbelievable that you have the backing from the manager,” Tavernier remarked. However, I believe that the rumors have been around for approximately a year now, so as long as football is involved, there will always be rumors.
“Obviously, it’s really essential to have the manager’s support, but as a Rangers player, I’m simply going to keep working hard for the club.
“You have to always push yourself, and it’s nice to have that speculation, but keep in mind that it’s just speculation; I have a contract with the Rangers, and I’m fully committed to the work that needs to be done.”
Tavernier, Connor Goldson, and Gerrard’s approach were mentioned by Clement, who dismissed any connection between them and said the two were crucial to his future plans and that leaving would be very costly.
Might Philippe Clement lose the captaincy of the Rangers?
Regarding possible transfer transactions, it is simple to read too much into remarks like Tavernier’s. Besides, he is unlikely to commit at this point in the season—when the title race is still very much alive.
But while he was clear that exit talk was just speculation he certainly didn’t dismiss it out of hand, so should events follow a certain pattern it perhaps wouldn’t be a massive shock if a move happened in the summer.
It seems quite possible that he is aware of the interest, not least when it reportedly comes from his former manager who he would obviously already have a relationship with, and knows as well as anyone that for the right price any Rangers player is available.
He was linked last summer and it clearly hasn’t effected his performances, as his scoring record is as strong as ever while the complaints around his defending and leadership of an inconsistent squad which lacks a killer instinct at times have remained exactly the same.
When his Ibrox career ends, Tavernier looks destined to be a Rangers player whose achievements are more widely acknowledged; nonetheless, he will leave a massive production void for Clement or another manager to fill.
Some Light Blues favorites believe the skipper has earned the right to move if given the chance. It has been reported that a £4 million price would complete the transfer, and while a busy summer of transfers is anticipated, a Tavernier departure would be significant.
