Ibrox View: Rangers star might have forced club to start new contract talks after what's seen

James Tavernier should be offered a new contract at Rangers after his performances this season.

The 34-year-old got on the scoresheet again as the Gers beat Aberdeen 4-1 at Ibrox on 21 March in the William Hill Premiership.

As things stand, the right-back will be a free agent at the end of the season, but he’s surely done enough to force the Light Blues to hold discussions over a short-term renewal.

Tavernier’s future at Ibrox is uncertain, but Danny Rohl should push the Glaswegian outfit to keep him for at least one more campaign.

Rangers should listen to Barry Ferguson verdict on James Tavernier

Barry Ferguson has lauded Tavernier after working with the defender at the Gers last season.

The right-back was clearly the Man of the Match against Aberdeen, scoring one goal, completing three key passes and creating one big chance, as per Sofascore.

At Ibrox, the veteran star had 94 touches, was fouled four times, completed 81 per cent of his passes and had two shots on target.

While there have been question marks over Tavernier’s defensive capabilities over the years, he won six of his 11 duels, made one interception and cleared the ball once.

In the 2025-26 season, the right-back has scored eight goals and provided four assists in the league and has kept eight clean sheets, highlighting that he can still have a major impact in Govan.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show on 23 March, Ferguson said, “I think he’s spoken about it. I don’t think he and the club have sat down. I’ve said plenty of times, I always knew he was very good, but until you actually work with someone and get to know them and see how they operate; I was so impressed by him, I’ve got to be honest.”

Danny Rohl has clear Ibrox transfer priority in the summer

Rohl must keep Tavernier at Rangers for another year, with Dujon Sterling unreliable due to his consistent fitness issues.

The Gers got Max Aarons on loan from Bournemouth last summer, but the 26-year-old has failed to make a case for himself at Ibrox.

Signing a new right-back should be a priority for the Light Blues at the end of the season, but keeping Tavernier around would make sense to let the possible new addition settle in at the Govan side.

The Glaswegian outfit would be wise to keep the veteran right-back around to give them time to find a successor.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.