- Luca Stephenson must be a major target for Rangers in the summer
- The Gers are in need of a worthy replacement for captain James Tavernier
- Stephenson wants to try and break into the Liverpool first team
Rangers must accelerate their bid to sign Liverpool loanee Luca Stephenson to replace James Tavernier.
Stephenson has excelled on his loan at Dundee United, becoming one of the best all-round full-backs in Scotland.
His form at Dundee United has spurred the fullback to want to try his luck in the Liverpool first team under Arne Slot.
However, there could be a slot open for Stephenson to try his luck at Rangers and try to win trophies.
Rangers are a natural step-up from Dundee United, and he holds all the attributes to take the place of James Tavernier.
Stephenson is the perfect successor.
If you look at the stats comparing Stephenson and Tavernier, Stephenson looks like the perfect replacement.
Tav has scored eight goals (4 penalties) and produced four assists this season.
At Dundee United this season, Stephenson has scored five goals and produced four assists.
The offensive stats are very similar, but defensively, Stephenson excels.
Tavernier has lost possession 528 times, while Stephenson has lost possession 333 times.
The Gers captain has been dribbled past 20 times, and Stephenson has been dribbled past only eight.
At 22, Stephenson has demonstrated that he can produce the same offensive numbers as Tavernier while remaining defensively resolute.
For Danny Rohl’s system, a tidier player who doesn’t cough up the ball is becoming a priority.
A worthy investment
Tavernier, whose contract expires at the end of May 2026, currently earns £30,000 a week at Ibrox.
Stephenson would probably expect a significantly lower figure than that of a week, freeing up more funds for transfers.
However, it’s unclear how much Liverpool would demand for Stephenson after impressing at Tannadice.
This would make the deal even more complicated for the Rangers.
He’s SPFL-proven and would clearly be a worthy option on Danny Rohl’s side.
Stephenson can play as a centre back and as a central midfielder if needed.
Read Rangers analysis
Looking at the statistics, Stephenson can create just the same as Tavernier but offer more defensive resolve.
He is 22 and has the time to develop and become even better than he was at Dundee United.
With Tavernier expected to leave in the summer, the Gers need to highlight a key replacement now.
