Newcastle, Nice, and PSG Pursued James Tavernier Before Surprise Maccabi Tel Aviv Move

James Tavernier, the 34-year-old defender who spent 11 years at Rangers, is reportedly on the verge of a surprising transfer to Maccabi Tel Aviv. Despite a season where he scored eight goals and provided four assists, Tavernier lost his starting position at Rangers, who finished third in the league behind Hearts and Celtic. Throughout the summer transfer window, speculation linked Tavernier with moves to top European leagues, with Nice and Paris FC expressing interest. These potential transfers did not materialize.

Further discussions took place with Charlotte FC of Major League Soccer, a team that has signed players with similar profiles. Earlier in the window, reports from Scotland suggested Rangers considered offering Tavernier a professional role within the club, but he expressed a desire to continue his playing career elsewhere, believing he has three to four more high-level seasons ahead. Unverified reports also claimed Newcastle, Everton, and Aston Villa had made inquiries.

Tavernier remained without a club until the end of the transfer window. His impending move to Maccabi Tel Aviv is attributed, in part, to connections with Kenny Miller. Tavernier's last match was on May 8th, and he has not trained since. However, his physical condition last season was noted, with a top speed of 35.4 km/h, a pace that would rank him among the fastest in the Israeli Premier League.