- James Tavernier leaves Rangers at the end of the season
- Many EFL Championship and relegated Premier League sides want him
- Why does he have the quality to perform in the English second tier?
The EFL Championship has emerged as the likely destination for James Tavernier when he leaves Rangers at the end of the season.
Every team already relegated or facing the drop from the Premier League is targeting Tavernier.
Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers have emerged as favourites for Tavernier to back their promotion bid.
Burnley’s future seems written in the stars as Steven Gerrard closes in on the manager’s job.
Tavernier and Gerrard were captain and manager when Rangers won the Premiership in 2021.
Burnley and Wolves are the only two confirmed teams relegated, while Spurs are still fighting for their lives.
Derby County and Birmingham City have been linked to the Rangers ace.
But why do all these teams want him?
Offensive specialist for the Championship
The Championship is notoriously tight; games are often won on fine margins and set pieces.
Tavernier isn’t just a right-back; he’s a specialised weapon.
The Rangers captain is the highest-scoring British defender in history, netting over 150 goals in his career.
A plethora of those have come from outstanding free-kicks and clinical penalties.
Even this season, four of his eight goals in the SPFL Premiership have come from penalties.
In a league where winning ugly is a skill, having a captain who can produce a moment of magic from a dead ball is invaluable.
Physical durability and pressure eliminator
Critics often point to his age (34), but his fitness record at Rangers is exemplary.
Already this season, Tavernier has played 50 games across three domestic cups and a Europa League campaign.
The EFL Championship schedule is gruelling, playing 46 games on a constant cycle of Tuesday and Saturday each week.
Tavernier is already conditioned to play high-level fixtures mid-week and at the weekend, and is still shining through with his quality.
Championship teams see a player who has played nearly every minute of European campaigns and domestic title charges without breaking down.
The Championship is a high-pressure environment, especially for clubs that will be coming down from the Premier League.
Tavernier has captained one of the most scrutinized clubs in world football for years.
He has faced the Old Firm pressure and led the team to a Europa League Final.
He brings a winner’s mentality to dressing rooms that might be lacking it.
For a team playing a high-press or wing-back system, Tavernier’s crossing provides a secondary playmaker from wide areas.
He’s been the leader of big chances created in the SPFL all season, producing 17.
Read Rangers analysis
James Tavernier still has the offensive ability to contribute to a promotion push in the EFL Championship.
He has the experience of playing in title races and would bring a winning mentality to any team.
On a free transfer, his quality, experience, and leadership would be a steal for any Championship side.
Where do you think Tavernier will end up in the summer?
