James Tavernier has made it clear to Sky Sports News that he is keeping all options open when it comes to a fresh contract with Rangers. The 34‑year‑old captain, whose current deal expires at the close of the season, emphasized that his immediate priority is to help the Glasgow side secure a second Scottish Premiership crown since he arrived in 2015. Rangers sit just a single point behind league leaders Hearts, with Celtic trailing another two points, and there are only five fixtures remaining.
In this tight race, Tavernier’s focus remains firmly on the pitch rather than future negotiations. When asked about his personal plans, the veteran right‑back replied, "I'm taking it day by day. My wife was asking me about the holiday, and I said that's too far ahead for me to think about." He went on to explain that he prefers not to look too far beyond the present week, concentrating instead on his training regimen and his children's school timetables. "It's a hectic life I live, so that's something that will be communicated probably further down the line," he added.
He acknowledged his long‑standing relationship with the club, noting, "It's obviously something that I've been here for a long time, and it's something that I'll never shut the door on. But I've obviously got to wait and see what happens." This statement leaves the door ajar for a new deal while underlining his commitment to the current campaign.
In terms of playing time, Tavernier has started 23 of Rangers' 33 league matches this season. Head coach Danny Röhl has rotated the squad heavily, looking to other players to share the burden of securing the title.
Tavernier admitted that the limited starts are frustrating, saying, "It's obviously frustrating, because I want to start every single game, and my body's not slowing up one bit. But if I'm asked to be on the sidelines, I'm going to support the boys no matter what, and put my input in the team, and just be myself. All I can do is, when given the moment, or when I start, is give it my absolute best for the team." Rangers endured a rocky opening to the season, managing only a single league victory before parting ways with manager Russell Martin in October.
When Danny Röhl took the reins, the club were languishing in sixth place, a full 13 points adrift of Hearts. Since then, the team has surged back into contention, with Opta’s statistical model now listing them as favourites to lift the trophy. Tavernier summed up the collective mindset: "It's in our hands, and we only can constrain ourselves and our aim is obviously to win every single game until now to the end of the season.
We always say every game is a cup final from the start of the season, which it is, but these games are the exact same. We've got to approach it the exact same manner as we have been doing towards the end part of the season and getting the wins no matter what." He praised the squad’s recent form, noting the consistency of results and performances over the past few months. "The belief is in the squad. I think you've seen it over the past couple of months, the results that we've put in, the performances that we've been putting in, and obviously we've been giving the gaffer a big headache on team selection, so we're in a great place," Tavernier said.
He stressed the importance of humility and relentless drive, adding, "We've obviously got to stay humble and be really driven, which I know we are, but we've just got to keep on pushing each other and applying ourselves to the maximum from training and in games." Beyond the immediate title chase, Tavernier hinted at the personal side of his life influencing his decisions. Balancing family commitments, training demands, and the pressure of a title run requires careful management of time and energy. He explained that discussions about holidays or long‑term contracts will be deferred until the season’s climax has passed, ensuring that his focus remains undivided. The captain’s remarks also reflect a broader trend in modern football, where seasoned players often prioritize short‑term performance over contract security, especially when a club is in contention for silverware.
By keeping his options open, Tavernier demonstrates both loyalty to Rangers and a pragmatic approach to his career. As the final stretch of the Scottish Premiership unfolds, Rangers fans will be watching closely to see whether Tavernier can add more starts to his tally and whether his leadership on and off the field will help tip the balance in the club’s favour. If the team can maintain its current momentum, the title could be secured in the remaining fixtures, providing a fitting backdrop for any future negotiations on Tavernier’s contract.
Regardless of what happens after the season, one thing is clear: James Tavernier’s dedication to Rangers remains unwavering, and his resolve to fight for every match will continue to define his legacy at Ibrox. The door may be open, but the present moment is all about delivering a championship for the fans, the city, and himself.