The Gallant Few Podcast reports that James Tavernier has reached an agreement to join Al-Ettifaq this summer, leaving the Rangers.
The Gers publication, which has previously published interviews with former chairman Dave King, asserted on June 19 that the Ibrox skipper has made the decision to join the Saudi Pro League based on information from their “reliable sources.”
Tavernier’s potential transfer to the Middle East has long been mentioned by Steven Gerrard [Daily Record, 24 May], and the 32-year-old acknowledged the connection during the previous campaign.
The right-back’s tenure with the team has been the subject of conjecture by a number of pundits, but this seems to be the first official word that he has consented to go. In response to questioning of the claim, The Gallant Few stated they are “confident it’s happening.”
It wouldn’t be the biggest surprise if Tavernier had finally made the decision to move on after nine years in Glasgow, but if the same sounds aren’t being heard elsewhere, some might argue that the report is premature.
Unquestionably, the Englishman has contributed significantly to the recent history at Ibrox; last season, he became the highest-scoring British defender of all time with 125 goals from right-back [BBC Sport, 31 March].
Although he has frequently been criticized for his leadership and defense of a Rangers team that has frequently underperformed, he has also been a key player in the team’s recent successes.
Given that Giovanni van Bronckhorst took over at Besiktas and expressed a desire to rejoin his former Gers captain this summer [Sozcu, June 9], the fact that two of his previous managers wanted to purchase him may be a testament to his importance.
Philippe Clement will be hoping that his trip to the Middle East this summer will result in a sizable cash infusion to be used for new recruits.
At Ibrox, it appears like a succession plan has already been established for the guy who will succeed him.
Although there is a good chance that now is the right time given the current major squad revamp, a deal at the club level cannot be achieved even if he has agreed to personal terms with Gerrard’s side.
