Rangers May Have Just Ended James Tavernier’s Ibrox Career | OneFootball

With the confirmation that Max Aarons will be Russell Martin’s first formal summer arrival, it naturally leads us to one big question—what now for Rangers’ captain James Tavernier?

Now in his testimonial year at Ibrox, the long-serving right-back continues to divide the support like no other since Josh Windass. There have always been questions about his suitability not just as captain, but as a player full stop. He’s slowed down considerably, he’s not scoring the goals anymore, his assists are dropping, and defensively, well, you know the story. The truth is, the legitimacy of Tavernier as our right-back has been hotly debated for years now, as highlighted in Ibrox Noise’s feature on his long-term future.

Fresh talent and injuries have constantly threatened his place—but so far, he’s always weathered the storm. Another long-standing Ibrox Noise discussion on selection standards places Tavernier in the same divisive bracket as many past full-backs. Even a piece from last summer argued that keeping him brought much-needed stability during major squad upheaval.

Now enters Aarons: a Premier League full-back valued around £10m, boasting over 100 top-flight appearances, a failed stint in Spain with Valencia, and experience working under Martin. But crucially—and to many fans’ dismay—the deal is a simple loan with no option to buy, something that has already frustrated supporters.

So, does this signal the end of Tavernier?

Probably not.

And the big reason? This isn’t a permanent threat—it’s a temporary one. As history shows, just being a good right-back isn’t enough to displace him. Nathan Patterson was one of Scotland’s best prospects and still couldn’t shift him before being sold for £16m.

Martin has already confirmed that Tavernier will remain captain if he plays—strongly hinting he’ll still be first choice. Only injury or retirement would remove him from that slot, and neither looks imminent.

So yes, Aarons arrives with pedigree—and might make Tavernier work harder than he’s had to in recent seasons. But as things stand, the captain’s place—and the armband—remain firmly his.

Then again… maybe, just maybe, this is the beginning of the end.

But we seriously doubt it.