Rangers rebuild was aways going to take time, however, this wouldn’t have made it any easier to take for Philippe Clement.
The goalposts clearly moved on the manager by the board and his squad when the transfer window shut still needs some work.
One position that is well covered for is right back with James Tavernier currently at the head of a queue featuring no less than four players junior to him.
The time is right for Rangers to sell James Tavernier
This could all change if the skipper joins Besiktas after the fall out from the Old Firm derby made the 32-year old consider his future.
As his 33rd birthday approaches and two years left on his current deal, a decision has to be made with Rangers already said to be eyeing alternatives.
Here are five reasons why Rangers selling James Tavernier is the right decision.
Tavernier is on the decline
No professional sportsman or sportswoman can cheat Father Time.
The Gers right-back peaked in 2021/22 in terms of athletic performance, his sprint and distance covered statistics were off the charts as he topped the tables for the Europa League.
How many goals did Tavernier score at the back post, taking up positions that wingers would normally get into?
In a game built on athleticism and attacking intent, Tavernier can no longer post the same distances and the defensive deficiencies become more visible.
Tavernier is a top earner at Rangers
In terms of wages, Tavernier is, according to Salary Sport, is second highest out of the whole squad.
Getting him off the wage bill would free up a lot of money to be allocated elsewhere.
Last chance to sell and make money
A bid of around £1m was turned down from Trabzonspor which means that Rangers arre looking for a decent fee for a veteran player.
With his contract expiring in 2026 and his age going in the wrong direction, this is the last time that money could be made on the £250,000 signing.
The pressure is now a distraction
Every misplaced pass or set-piece that fails to go past the first man is being scrutinised.
Tavernier can’t win.
Professional footballers are only human and the Gers skipper will be fully aware of the pressure being put on him to produce the goods every week and be near faultless at the back.
Rangers don’t need Tavernier
Of course, every team needs a right-back who can score 20 goals and chip in with over 10 assists every season.
As already mentioned though, Tavernier is not that player anymore.
What Rangers really need is more goals and assists from midfield and the forward line.
Dujon Sterling is the natural replacement for Tavernier and has shown that he can contribute in the final third from his time playing on the wing.
Neraysho Kasanwirjo has also been added to the squad who spent the second half of last season at Rapid Vienna at right-back.
There is no point signing these young, hungry, promising players only to not move on veterans when the time is right.
And that time, after nine years, is right.
