Rangers Legend James Tavernier Joins Maccabi Tel Aviv

James Tavernier, a prominent figure from Scotland's Rangers FC, has officially signed with Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv. The 34-year-old right-back joins the Tel Aviv team as a free agent after an 11-year tenure with Rangers, during which he played in the Champions League and won multiple titles in Scotland. Tavernier, who previously played alongside Maccabi Tel Aviv's manager, Kenny Miller, at Rangers, will wear the number 2 jersey.

During his decade at Rangers, Tavernier was a key offensive player, contributing significantly with 148 goals and 141 assists. In his final season with the club, he scored eight goals and provided four assists, though he lost his starting position. He had expressed a desire to leave, leading to his free transfer to Maccabi Tel Aviv. The announcement came just hours before Maccabi Tel Aviv's match against Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

Tavernier had also been linked with a return to Newcastle United and other European clubs over the summer. He expressed his excitement about joining Maccabi Tel Aviv, stating, "It is a great honor to join a club with history and tradition like Maccabi Tel Aviv. Coming to a new country and experiencing a different culture and environment is something I have always wanted to do during my career, and therefore I am very excited about the opportunity and the challenge that awaits me." He added that he heard positive things about the club's ambitions and its fans from Kenny Miller.

The signing of Tavernier coincides with Kevin Andrade's departure from Maccabi Tel Aviv's squad list, reportedly for a move to Greek club Volos. Gabi Kanyikovsky has also been registered with Maccabi Tel Aviv.