James Tavernier has previously been clear that he’d appreciate a testimonial after ten long years at Rangers Football Club.
The 33-year-old Yorkshireman’s service is without question, James Tavernier joining Rangers all the way back in the Scottish Championship in 2015 and captaining the club to 55.
Also an inspired figure as Rangers reached the 2022 Europa League Final, Tavernier wants a Rangers testimonial this summer and the club is likely to oblige.
But the question is who might Rangers look to for opposition as Ibrox prepares to pay tribute to British football’s highest-scoring defender?
Could James Tavernier’s boyhood club play in Rangers testimonial?
49ers Enterprises have agreed the Rangers takeover deal which is set to see a summer of sweeping change blow through Ibrox.
The American sports consortium are set to lead Rangers into a new era at Ibrox with fans anticipating a sizeable period of turnover on and off the pitch.
But Rangers are not the only British football club with whom 49ers Enterprises have a vested interest, with Leeds United earning Premier League promotion under the stewardship of the 49ers over the Easter weekend.
This makes Premier League-bound Leeds United perfect pre-season opposition for Rangers but that’s not the only reason James Tavernier might hope to welcome the Elland Road club to Glasgow.
Tavernier grew up a boyhood Leeds United fan and, combined with the 49ers’ interest, that could make the Yorkshire outfit an ideal option for a summer testimonial.
Back when Rangers faced Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Europa League earlier in the season, Tavernier told the press he was a ‘Leeds fan’.
James Tavernier hints at longer Rangers stay
James Tavernier has hinted that he is set to stay at Rangers as he sent a stirring message of support to Barry Ferguson.
Speaking after Rangers crashed out of the Europa League against Athletic Club, Tavernier backed Ferguson live on TNT Sports.
With Tavernier contracted to Rangers until 2026, the comments suggest the defender has no intention of moving on with Tav set to play into his 11th year at Ibrox.
”I’ve been really happy since Barry came in,” Tavernier told TNT Sports.
”He’s really steadied the ship with us, the demand that he’s put on us lot, he obviously knows the DNA of the club with the staff he’s got.
”It’s obviously not my decision but I would love to have Barry for next season.
”Even tactically with Neil and Doddsy, they’re a great group who get right behind the boys and push the boys so it’s obviously not up to me but it would be good to see him stay here.”
