GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 18: A general view during the pre-season friendly match between Rangers and Newcastle at Ibrox Stadium on July 18, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Dan Bardell believes that the signing of Ben Johnson from West Ham United could spark the departure of Rangers captain James Tavernier to Saudi Arabia.
The Gers have been linked, via The Athletic, to signing the right back in the summer as his contract runs down at the London Stadium.
According to the Daily Record, there have also been rumors circulating that Tavernier may leave the team, with Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq also showing interest.
Bardell has hinted that Johnson’s arrival might cause a domino effect that results in the club captain leaving.
Bardell stated, “They need a long-term replacement for Tavernier at right back,” in an exclusive interview with Ibrox News. This season, Johnson has been in and out of the West Ham squad.
You can tell he’s a respectable player when he plays. Since he is a young player and doesn’t play every week, it is challenging to develop any kind of rhythm.
“The Rangers would win with him. He contributed to West Ham’s triumph in Europe and their back-to-back top six and top seven finishes.
“I guess that this would see Tavernier move on as I can’t see two high-profile right-backs playing at the club.
“I can see Johnson staying in the Premier League, I think he’d get a move from somewhere. One to keep an eye on for Rangers, it’s interesting that they are looking at right-backs.”
Could Rangers sign Ben Johnson?
There is no lack of teams interested in signing Johnson from West Ham especially given that he is available for free.
The Englishman has plenty of experience in the Premier League and in Europe where the Hammers have performed at a high level.
He has a Europa Conference League medal and has played in a Europa League semi and quarter-final in the past three seasons.
Johnson is a versatile player who can play on either side of a back four while also happy to feature in a progressive midfield role.
He likes the ball at his feet and the chance to drive forward with possession and look to get a cross in where he can.
If he signs and Tavernier departs, the Gers will lose a lot in terms of goals and assists output which he adds from set pieces in particular.
Johnson faces intense competition; if he signs, it’s likely that he will do so with the knowledge that he will be the top pick.
Without a doubt, Philippe Clement has a difficult choice.
