Maccabi Tel Aviv Signs Rangers Legend James Tavernier

Maccabi Tel Aviv has officially announced the signing of James Tavernier, the former captain of Scottish club Rangers and a prolific defender. The 34-year-old right-back has agreed to a one-year contract with an option for an additional season, and is set to earn approximately 700,000 euros annually, making him the highest-paid player in the Israeli Premier League. Tavernier, who will wear the number 2 jersey, expressed his excitement about joining a club with such history and tradition, and his desire to experience a new culture.

Tavernier joins Maccabi Tel Aviv after an illustrious 11-season tenure at Rangers, where he served as captain since 2018. During his time there, he achieved significant success, including winning the league title, Scottish Cup, and League Cup. He amassed an impressive record of 144 goals and 148 assists in 565 appearances from his defensive position. Tavernier holds the all-time record for goals scored by a defender in British football and was the top scorer in the Europa League in the 2021/22 season, leading his team to the final.

The club worked against the clock to register Tavernier with the Israeli Football Association in time for their match against Hapoel Be'er Sheva on Monday evening, or potentially for his debut in the Tel Aviv derby next week. He had been training with the team in recent days.

In parallel with Tavernier's arrival, Maccabi Tel Aviv has resolved its foreign player quota issue by loaning midfielder Kervin Andrade to Volos of the Greek Super League for the season. Volos will cover Andrade's entire salary. The 21-year-old Venezuelan, who was acquired last season for 1.7 million euros but struggled to integrate, initially preferred a return to Brazil but was persuaded to move to Greece. Andrade is currently serving a suspension from the Cup final and will miss two additional matches in Greece before he can make his official debut.