The Scottish football landscape could be on the verge of a dramatic shake-up, with James Tavernier now strongly linked with a high-profile exit that would send shockwaves across the Scottish Premiership. The long-serving Rangers captain has been tipped for a sensational move abroad as the club’s summer transfer strategy becomes clearer behind the scenes.
However, sources close to Ibrox have confirmed that Rangers are preparing for a significant rebuild. The club hierarchy is said to be increasingly focused on refreshing the squad, lowering the average age, and generating transfer funds that can be reinvested into multiple areas of the team. While the intention is not to force out experienced leaders, Rangers now accept that difficult decisions may be required to move the club forward.
Saudi interest takes centre stage
Against this backdrop, interest from Saudi Arabia has intensified. Insiders indicate that Riyadh giants Al-Hilal are keen on signing Tavernier and view him as an ideal addition to their star-studded project. Al-Hilal’s recruitment team are believed to admire not only Tavernier’s technical output but also his professionalism, leadership qualities and experience at the highest levels of pressure football.
Although Tavernier is into his thirties, Al-Hilal have shown repeatedly that they are willing to invest heavily in players who can deliver immediate impact. His ability to contribute goals and assists from defence, combined with his tactical intelligence, makes him an attractive option as they continue to strengthen their squad for domestic dominance and continental success.
Rangers weigh up a difficult call
From Rangers’ perspective, Tavernier represents one of the club’s most valuable assets in terms of market value and profile. With European qualification increasingly competitive and financial margins tighter, the opportunity to secure a substantial fee — particularly from the Saudi market — is viewed internally as tempting.
No formal bid has yet been lodged, but it is understood that Rangers would be open to discussions if an offer meets their valuation. Club sources stress that any decision would be handled with respect, allowing the captain to have a strong say in his future while ensuring the club’s long-term interests are protected.
Fans divided and emotions running high
Among the supporters, reaction has been predictably mixed. A section of the fanbase believes now may be the right time for a dignified parting, with Tavernier leaving after years of pivotal service and Rangers using the funds to accelerate their rebuild. Others argue just as passionately that his leadership remains essential and that replacing his influence — both on and off the pitch — would be nearly impossible.
The idea of Rangers moving forward without their captain has heightened the sense that the club is entering a transitional period. Recruitment staff are already scouting potential long-term replacements, while younger players inside the squad are being assessed for greater responsibility.
A transfer that would redefine the league
Should the move materialise, it would rank among the most significant Scottish transfers of recent years. Losing a captain of Tavernier’s stature would not only reshape Rangers but also shift the competitive balance within the Scottish Premiership.
For now, all parties remain publicly silent, but momentum is clearly building. With Rangers’ transfer plans now confirmed and interest from Al-Hilal growing, the coming weeks could be decisive.
If James Tavernier does take the leap to Saudi Arabia, it would mark the end of an era at Ibrox — and deliver a transfer that would truly rock Scottish football.