Rangers captain James Tavernier (34) has confirmed he will leave Ibrox at the end of the 2025/26 season, bringing an 11-year tenure at the club to an end. The right-back's contract is set to expire on 31 May 2026, making him a free agent this summer alongside 19-year-old midfielder Bailey Rice, who is reportedly attracting interest from Ajax and Schalke. The departures signal a major shift under manager Danny Rohl, as the club balances a Scottish Premiership title race with the need to monetise assets such as Nicolas Raskin (25) to fund a squad-wide modernisation.
James Tavernier confirms exit as contract expires
James Tavernier has officially announced his decision to depart the club when his current deal concludes this summer. Speaking to Glasgow Live, the captain described the move as the hardest decision of his career, citing the club's role as a cornerstone of his family life since joining in 2015. With over 450 appearances and a record-breaking goal tally for a defender, Tavernier remains the last remaining link to the club's journey back to the top flight.
His departure on a free transfer mirrors that of Bailey Rice. According to FootballTransfers, the highly-regarded academy midfielder is expected to move to continental Europe following the expiry of his contract. This follows the club's recent trend of squad thinning, which began with the sale of striker Cyriel Dessers to Panathinaikos in September 2025 for a reported £3.5m.
Valuation and interest in Nicolas Raskin
While Tavernier and Rice are leaving for no fee, Rangers are positioned to demand a significant sum for midfielder Nicolas Raskin. Currently under contract until 2028, Raskin is drawing interest from Premier League sides Aston Villa and Fulham. Reports from TeamTalk suggest Rangers could be tempted by offers ranging between £17.4m (€20m) and £30m.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that while the club would be reluctant to lose the Belgian, a substantial offer would be difficult to reject given their current financial outlook. This shift in strategy follows high-profile instances where players like Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent were allowed to leave for free, a mistake the board appears determined not to repeat with their current crop of saleable talent.
Tactical rationale and the hunt for Butland competition
Under Danny Rohl, Rangers are prioritising high-mobility players as they transition away from an ageing core. The potential sale of goalkeeper Jack Butland—another high-value asset—is also under consideration if his valuation is met. According to the Daily Record, former Rangers defender Craig Moore suggested the club must start taking in cash for their better players to reinvest in the spine of the team.
To prepare for potential movement in the goalkeeping department, the club is reportedly monitoring Sheffield Wednesday's Pierce Charles (18). The Northern Ireland youth international is viewed as a potential long-term successor or immediate competition for Butland, fitting the profile of younger, developable talent that Rohl prefers. This move aligns with the broader aim of reducing the average age of a squad currently reliant on several players in their mid-thirties.
Squad transition and financial sustainability
The overhaul is necessitated by both tactical requirements and the club's move toward financial sustainability. Tavernier’s exit removes one of the highest earners from the wage bill, providing flexibility for Rohl to pursue targets that fit his high-pressing system. Having already lost Dessers earlier in the season, the striking department and the right-back slot will be the immediate priorities when the window opens.
The club's hierarchy is navigating a tight financial path, where European qualification and player trading are essential to bridge the gap in domestic revenue. By proactively managing the exits of Raskin or Butland, the board aims to provide Rohl with the capital required to compete with a resurgent Hearts and maintain their standing at the top of the Scottish game.
