Rangers Transfer News: Scottish Giants ‘Open To Selling’ Trabzonspor-linked Legend
Scottish Premiership giants Rangers are reportedly open to selling captain James Tavernier amid interest from Trabzonspor.
The 32-year-old has achieved legendary status during his nine-year tenure at Ibrox, winning five major domestic titles, including the 2020-21 Scottish Premiership and last season’s Scottish League Cup.
As an attack-minded right-back, Tavernier has scored an impressive 125 goals and provided 129 assists in 460 appearances for Rangers across all competitions, netting at least 18 goals in each of the last four seasons.
Despite having two years left on his contract with the Glasgow club, Tavernier’s long-term future has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks, as manager Philippe Clement works on reshaping his squad.
With Rangers having already welcomed seven new players this summer and seen eight depart, Tavernier could be the next to leave Ibrox before the new season begins.
Trabzonspor are ‘hopeful’ of finalizing the signing of James Tavernier.
Last month, it was reported that Tavernier had agreed to an ‘astronomical’ financial package to join Saudi Pro League club Al Ettifaq and reunite with former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard. However, those rumors have since died down.
According to multiple reports, including one from Sky Sports News, Trabzonspor’s initial offer for Tavernier was rejected by Rangers, but they are expected to make an improved bid.
TEAMtalk reports that Rangers are open to selling their captain this summer to fund new arrivals, and Trabzonspor are currently only £1m short of the asking price.
Trabzonspor are said to have ‘real hope’ of reaching an agreement with Rangers for Tavernier, who has been offered a ‘very big’ wage increase on a two-year contract with an option for an additional year.
Tavernier could reunite with former teammates John Lundstram and Borna Barisic, both of whom joined Trabzonspor on free transfers after leaving Rangers at the end of June.
Trabzonspor president confirms imminent right-back signing
Trabzonspor appears to be closing in on the signing of James Tavernier, with the club’s president, Ertugrul Dogan, confirming that a right-back addition is imminent.
“Our plan B, following Thomas Meunier’s departure, was prepared and we acted quickly. Our new right-back will arrive in a day or two,” Dogan told reporters, as reported by the Daily Record.
“Our focus is on building a team that delights our fans, stands strong on the field, and fights hard. Our supporters should not be concerned. Trabzonspor will be striving for the top.
“Today or tomorrow, Trabzonspor will finalize the right-back transfer. We also plan to make five to six more transfers, aiming to complete two to three of them in the next two to three days.”
Tavernier is not the only prominent player potentially leaving Rangers this summer, with both Connor Goldson and Scott Wright reportedly attracting interest from clubs in England.
