Ex-SPFL chief hails 'amazing' Rangers player after confirmed exit decision
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(Credit: Imago) Wed 29 April 2026 12:01, UK Rangers captain James Tavernier could have moved to the Premier League during his spell at the Glasgow club.That is according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, after Tavernier announced his decision to leave Rangers.The 34-year-old will depart Ibrox when his contract expires at the end of the season after 11 years at the club. VISIT THE RANGERS TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Rangers should be ‘very thankful’ to James TavernierAberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Tavernier can still do a “great job” with whichever club he joins next.Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness is surprised that the right-back did not make the decision to leave Rangers earlier in his career.Appearances563Goals144Assists148Trophies3James Tavernier’s stats at Rangers in all competitions.He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “After 11 years, it’s almost like talking about David Moyes, he was that long at Everton and Diego Simeone’s done 14 years at Atletico Madrid.
“Now, James Tavernier isn’t a manager, he’s a player, and that’s an amazing length of time for him to have been there. What’s amazed me is he hasn’t left before, because Tavernier is a talented player, and I’m amazed he hasn’t made it down into the lower levels of the Premier League and the Championship as well.
And even at 34, he’s still fit enough to do a job. So good luck to him.”Who could James Tavernier join next?Tavernier’s decision to leave Rangers has put a number of clubs on alert about his availability in the summer.Sources have told Football Insider that Tavernier is prepared to move to Saudi Arabia, despite interest from the Premier League.Greek club Panathinaikos, currently managed by Rafa Benitez, could also make a move for the defender on a free deal.Tavernier still has four Rangers matches left before he leaves, with his last home game set to be against Hibernian on May 13th.