- James Tavernier has announced he is leaving Rangers at the end of the season
- It seems Rangers already have their ideal replacement lined up
- Here’s everything you need to know about the Tav replacement
With James Tavernier’s leaving announcement, Rangers may already have their replacement lined up.
The player in question is Swedish U21 international Hampus Skoglund.
The right back has been linked with Rangers on numerous occasions and even nearly joined from Hammarby in January.
With Tavernier leaving, rumours that Skoglund is joining Rangers have increased significantly.
The Gers board has adopted a transfer strategy of buy low and sell high, a model that Skoglund fits.
Skoglund’s contract with Hammarby runs until 2029, but he will cost approximately £2 million this summer.
He represented the Sweden U21 team 14 times, netting a single goal.
Despite links to Wrexham, Girona, and Mainz 05, Skoglund has all the attributes to be a starter at Ibrox.
Tavernier’s successor
The Tavernier era at Rangers has brought great success, but it’s imperative that the Gers board find a replacement ASAP.
Football scout Kai Watson believes Skoglund is “good at both ends and improving going forward.”
He added, “Similar to Rommens, in my opinion.”
At 5ft11, Skoglund has a physical profile that can deal with the physical threats of the SPFL Premiership.
He’s aggressive, intense, and has physical endurance. All things that fit the mould at Ibrox.
Tavernier is an excellent threat going forward, producing eight goals and four assists in the SPFL Premiership this season.
Skoglund offers a tactical flexibility that Rohl craves, having the experience of playing RM and RB.
If the Gers are chasing the game, Skoglund has the experience to play further forward and try to nick a goal.
At Rangers, each player needs to be good on the ball as they dominate most games in the Premiership.
Skoglund boasts an 88.3% passing success, and 39.1% of his long balls are successful.
Read Rangers analysis
Skoglund seems like he produces all the attributes to be the perfect successor to James Tavernier at Rangers.
He is considered an investment for both the short and long term, with the potential for his value to rise significantly.
Being compared to Tuur Rommens is a huge plus for Gers fans, especially when you look at the impact he’s made.
The 22-year-old has so much room to grow, and exposure to extreme pressure and European nights will only be good.
With Dujon Sterling being the only recognised contracted right back in the squad, Skoglund can make the position his own.
He can get up and down the pitch, has the potential to grow, and can keep hold of the ball in possession.
Seems to me that Skoglund is the ideal replacement for Tavernier.
