Rangers transfer news: James Tavernier January exit can’t be completely ruled out amid Saudi reports – Chris Jack
Chris Jack has repeatedly heard of supposed interest in a Saudi side signing James Tavernier from Rangers but while it hasn’t come to anything so far he says it would be “silly” to completely rule it out.
Even if prior reports had not resulted in a move, the journalist acknowledged that “money talks” and stated on the Rangers Review Morning Briefing on January 10 that he would be “surprised” if the 32-year-old was willing to give up his current situation. As such, it couldn’t be entirely discounted.
A report from TEAMtalk a day earlier had claimed the Ibrox captain was a “key target” for multiple Saudi clubs, after similar suggestions had emerged during the summer window. Jack said (12m 10s): “This one comes around every so often. I heard… over the course of the summer that there was a bit of interest in Tav. It never materialized, it was played down at that stage.
A few weeks ago, I did hear some whispers suggesting that someone could be interested in him, but they didn’t really take off or seem to have much substance. It has now returned once more. Not because Tav isn’t a skilled player or because he wouldn’t find the money appealing—that’s obviously a big motivation for anyone—but rather because I don’t see anything in it for Tav other than the monetary benefit.
And obviously from a Rangers perspective they will not want to lose him. You can’t afford to be losing your captain halfway through the season, but again, money talks… it’d be silly to completely knock it down.”
He has his detractors but it is hard to understate Tavernier’s significance to Rangers still, so even if an official bid did arrive from the Saudi Pro League the club would need to think carefully about accepting it.
Regarding whether a player would be persuaded by the wealth available in the Middle East, all bets are off, however Jordan Henderson’s attempts to return to England already imply that it doesn’t mean everything. However, letting the captain go would be risky unless Rangers had enough cash on hand to finance a complete reconstruction for Philippe Clement.
Dujon Sterling may be the man to take over the right-back position, although that is as yet unproven since the summer signing has impressed primarily in midfield in recent weeks.
But in terms of goals and assists, particularly in big games, it isn’t difficult to argue that there is nobody else in the squad, regardless of position, that can fill the gap currently.
There’s little doubt that Tavernier will leave at some point, whether through retirement or a move, but when he does, the Rangers won’t be able to handle the massive void he leaves behind.
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