'Most certainly' - Alex Rae shares one position Rangers will sign new player in due to 'glaring' problem

Rangers will have to “most certainly” sign a new right-back in the upcoming transfer window.

That’s what Alex Rae believes after James Tavernier confirmed he will leave Ibrox at the end of the season once his contract expires.

Dujon Sterling would be an obvious replacement for the veteran defender at the Gers, but his persistent fitness issues could prove to be a stumbling block.

While Rae was impressed after working with the 26-year-old at the Light Blues, he’s injury-prone, which is a glaring problem.

The Glaswegian outfit now need a reliable successor for Tavernier at Ibrox, and considering the number of games Sterling has missed over the last few years, he may not be the answer.

Danny Rohl to rue James Tavernier exit at Rangers

Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard on 22 April, Rae said, “I think that’s one of the stumbling blocks with Sterling. I was really impressed with him when I was working with him. The guy is an athlete. Great one-on-one defender. Offers going forward. I don’t think he’ll get amongst the goals like Tavernier has.

“But the problem you have with Sterling is availability. And that’s glaring. Rangers will most certainly have to get a right-back in because he’s sitting on 13 appearances, which is nowhere near enough.”

Tavernier has faced uncertainty over his place at the Gers for a few seasons now, but he has always managed to play a pivotal role.

Fans in G51 have wanted to see the Light Blues’ captain be replaced for some time now, but the recruitment department has found that difficult.

Max Aarons is the latest example of the Glaswegian outfit trying to look for a long-term option at right-back but failing, with the Bournemouth loanee clearly not up to standards at Ibrox.

While Sterling has shown great potential at the Govan side, Danny Rohl certainly can’t go into next season with him as the only natural option in the position, and the German manager may end up regretting Tavernier’s departure.

Andrew Cavenagh can’t repeat Ibrox summer mistake

Last summer, Rangers signed 12 players under Kevin Thelwell, five of them coming on loan.

Aarons, Nasser Djiga, Derek Cornelius and Jayden Meghoma will leave the Gers at the end of the season when their loan deals expire, leaving the Gers with a lack of options in the backline.

Andrew Cavenagh and Co can’t repeat the same mistake ahead of the 2026-27 campaign and hedge their bets on loan signings.

The Glaswegian outfit’s strategy in the winter transfer window was arguably much better and they’ll now hope to sign someone like Tuur Rommens at right-back.

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