Maccabi Tel Aviv Nears Signing of Former Rangers Captain James Tavernier

Maccabi Tel Aviv is on the verge of signing James Tavernier, a prominent figure from Scottish club Rangers, who is expected to arrive for medical tests tomorrow. Tavernier, a 34-year-old English right-back, is considered one of Rangers' most significant players of the past decade. He joined the club in 2015, quickly became a key player, and was appointed captain in 2018, a role he held for eight years.

Tavernier concluded his tenure with Rangers this summer after 11 seasons, following the expiration of his contract. He played alongside current Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Kenny Miller. Tavernier's statistics are exceptional for a defender, with 565 appearances and 144 goals across all competitions during his time at Rangers. He was instrumental in the team's Scottish league title win in the 2020-21 season, as well as securing the Scottish Cup and League Cup. He also played a crucial role in the team's European campaign, which culminated in the 2022 Europa League final.

Remarkably, Tavernier finished as the top scorer in the Europa League that same season with seven goals, an extraordinary achievement for a defender. Rangers were ultimately defeated in the final by Eintracht Frankfurt. Beyond his offensive capabilities, Tavernier was long recognized as a leading figure and a key leader for Rangers, earning induction into the club's Hall of Fame in 2023.

Since leaving Scotland, Tavernier has been a free agent. Recent reports indicated interest from clubs in Turkey and Major League Soccer (MLS). Maccabi Tel Aviv will gain a player with vast experience, including over 100 European appearances, and a resume rarely seen in the Israeli Premier League.