James Tavernier

Who is James Tavernier?

James Tavernier is an English professional football player who plays as a right-back for Scottish Premiership outfit Rangers, where James is the club captain.

After starting at the Leeds United youth sector, Tavernier began his professional career at Newcastle United, spending most of his time on loans at six lower-level sides, including winning the League One playoffs with the AESSEAL New York Stadium outfit Rotherham United.

In 2014, he joined Wigan Athletic, where by James’ own admission, he struggled. The defender spent the second half of his only Wigan campaign on loan at Bristol City, playing regularly as they won League One.

He signed for then-Scottish Championship club Rangers in 2015, winning a double in his maiden season.

He netted the goal that won Rangers the EFL Championship and was a man of the match as the team won the Scottish Challenge Cup, netting a long-range volley in the cup final.

At the beginning of the 2018–19 term, Tavernier was named as the club captain.

Statistically, how important James Tavernier was for his team?

During the 2020–21 campaign, the Gers had their best defensive start to a Scottish Premiership season, keeping seven consecutive clean sheets.

In December, they had conceded only three goals in the division whilst scoring 45 and also progressed from their UEFA Europa League group.

James contributed heavily to both the stunning defensive record and attacking returns, with 16 goals and 11 assists across all competitions by that point.

What is the situation with the future of James Tavernier?

The Englishman was rewarded with a new three-year deal at Ibrox as recently as April, and the star remains more than happy in Glasgow.

But Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Norwich City and Arsenal are taking an interest and could test the Gers’ resolve to keep their captain ahead of the new season.

Rangers have been badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, yielding a £15.9 million operating loss for the 2019/20 season, on top of current annual losses long before the coronavirus pandemic struck.

Further losses will be expected when the 2020/21 term accounts are finalised, putting pressure on the board to raise investment where possible and perhaps meaning the club cannot afford to turn down any substantial bids for Tavernier should they come.