Rangers are bracing for life without James Tavernier, their long-serving captain, who confirmed his departure from Ibrox on 22 April after an incredible eleven years at the club. The 34-year-old will leave as a free agent at the end of the 2025/26 season, and according to Football Insider, a move to Saudi Arabia is now the most likely outcome this summer. Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, speaking to Football Insider, believes Tavernier is heading for a major payday, suggesting the Saudi Pro League offers him the financial reward that his career honestly deserves.
Rangers set to lose Tavernier as Saudi Arabia emerges as the most likely destination
Brown made it clear that Premier League interest, including from Tottenham, isn’t really there at this point, stating that he would be shocked if any top English club chased a 35-year-old right-back regardless of his free-agent status. Clubs from Greece, including Panathinaikos, and Turkey have also tracked him closely, though Rafa Benitez’s uncertain position in Athens could complicate that route. Brown didn’t mince words. Tavernier’s age makes him unattractive to elite clubs, even on a free transfer, and the Middle East simply makes the most sense for everyone involved.
“James Tavernier has had a fantastic career,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He’s done a brilliant job for Rangers over a period of time, scoring and creating so many goals from right-back and always being a key part of that side.
“He’s very highly regarded in the game, but I would be very surprised if any Premier League club made a move for him, let alone a club like Tottenham.
“He’ll be 35 by the end of the year, and I can’t imagine many clubs are going to their sporting directors saying lets bring in this 35-year-old right-back.
“Being available for free makes it more of an option than it may have been otherwise, but regardless, I don’t see any top club looking to bring him in at this stage.
“I think at his age and after deciding to leave Rangers, Tavernier is going to be looking for a big payday in Saudi Arabia or somewhere like that.”
Does losing Tavernier leave Rangers dangerously exposed going into 2026/27?
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – APRIL 18: Marcus Tavernier of AFC Bournemouth celebrates his team’s second goal, scored by teammate Adrien Truffert during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Bournemouth at St James’ Park on April 18, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Rangers face a genuine problem heading into 2026/27 because replacing Tavernier is not simply a matter of finding another right-back. His 14 goals and six assists across 50 appearances this season show he was more of an attacking outlet than just a defender. The club have to figure out how much of Rangers’ attacking threat actually runs through him.
His weakness, getting caught out of position against pacey wide men, is well documented, and Celtic exploited it repeatedly in heavy Old Firm defeats. However, Rangers still built their attacking shape around his energy. Andrew Cavenagh and the recruitment team must act decisively because neither Dujon Sterling nor Max Aarons has really proven they can step into Tavernier’s shoes. Rangers cannot afford a slow start to their summer business.
Rangers supporters will always remember Tavernier as the man who captained their first title in a decade, leading the unbeaten 2020/21 Premiership campaign under Steven Gerrard. Whatever he chooses next, Saudi riches or European competition, his time at Ibrox is set in stone.
