Tavernier to Depart Rangers This Summer Following 11-Year Tenure

James Tavernier, the Glasgow club’s long-serving captain, has revealed his intention to exit Ibrox at the conclusion of the current season. After 11 years with the club, the 34-year-old Englishman will conclude his time as a defender, having scored 144 goals in 562 appearances for Rangers and 152 in total across his career.

Captaincy and Achievements

Tavernier has been a cornerstone of the Rangers team since 2018, leading the side through significant milestones. His captaincy coincided with the club’s Scottish Premiership triumph in 2021, a Scottish Cup victory the following year, and a League Cup win in 2023. Notably, he captained the team during their Europa League final in 2022, where they fell to Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties.

Career Path

Joined by Mark Warburton in 2015 from Wigan, Tavernier played a key role in Rangers’ promotion to the top-flight that season. He took on the captain’s role temporarily when Lee Wallace was sidelined, later becoming the full-time leader under Steven Gerrard. During Gerrard’s tenure, Tavernier was instrumental in the squad that secured the league title, reached the Europa League final, and won the Scottish Cup. His leadership continued through subsequent campaigns under Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Philippe Clement, as well as brief periods with Graeme Murty, Michael Beale, Barry Ferguson, and Russell Martin.

Current Season

This term, Tavernier has seen his position challenged, with Dujon Sterling frequently starting at right-back. While he remains a vital player, he has not been the automatic first choice, and Jack Butland and Nico Raskin have stepped in as temporary captains. Both Butland and Raskin are set to continue with the club next season.

Thank You Messages

“This club has been a huge part of my life and my family’s over the past 11 years,” Tavernier shared in an Instagram post. “It’s given me so much, both on and off the pitch. From the moment I arrived, I’ve always tried to give everything I had to represent it in the right way.”

“To have been made captain since 2018 is something I will always be incredibly proud of. Leading this team out, wearing the armband, and being trusted in that role has meant more to me than I can properly put into words.”

“We’ve shared the highs and the lows together and some truly incredible moments along the way,” he added. “To all the players I’ve shared the pitch and dressing room with over the years, thank you. The bonds we’ve built, the battles we’ve been through, and the memories we’ve created are what make this game so special.”

“To the staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes every single day, thank you for everything you’ve done for me and the team. Your support often goes unseen, but it has never gone unappreciated.”

“And to the fans, your support home and away, through every high and every difficult moment, has meant more than I can ever fully express. You are the heart and soul of this club, and it has been a privilege to play in front of you.”

Tavernier hinted that his departure is not the final chapter, though he has not disclosed his next destination. The current season sees Rangers locked in a three-way battle for the Scottish Premiership title, with Hearts leading by a single point and Celtic two points behind. “There is still a season to finish and we are fully focused on pushing for the league title,” he said. “I will continue to give absolutely everything, as I always have until the very last day. My focus right now is on finishing this season the right way, together.”

More details are expected as Rangers prepare for the final stretch of the campaign. The club’s page offers ongoing updates on Tavernier’s situation and other developments.