Maccabi Tel Aviv Transfer of James Tavernier Delayed by Bureaucracy

Maccabi Tel Aviv's anticipated signing of James Tavernier is currently stalled due to bureaucratic hurdles, despite the player having successfully completed his medical examinations and even participating in a training session. The delay stems from the need for official work permit approval, according to reports from England's Daily Record.

Sources indicate that Tavernier could potentially be available for Maccabi Tel Aviv's upcoming match against Hapoel Be'er Sheva as early as Monday evening, provided the work permit is secured in time. However, for Tavernier to be officially registered for league matches, Maccabi Tel Aviv must first remove an existing foreign player from their roster, as the team currently has its full quota of foreign players.

Tavernier, a 34-year-old right-back, joins Maccabi Tel Aviv as a free agent after an 11-year tenure with Scottish club Rangers. He will reunite with Kenny Miller, who was his teammate at Rangers and is now a coach for the Israeli State Cup holders. During his time at Rangers, Tavernier was a key offensive contributor, scoring 148 goals and providing 141 assists. In his final season, he recorded eight goals and four assists before announcing his desire to leave the club.

Despite the administrative delay in the official announcement, Maccabi Tel Aviv is reportedly able to declare his signing before the work permit issue is fully resolved. Tavernier's arrival is seen as a significant acquisition for the club.