James Tavernier recently told Sky Sports News that he is keeping all options open when it comes to a fresh contract with Rangers, insisting he will "never shut the door" on the possibility of staying at the club. The 34‑year‑old captain, whose current deal expires at the close of the season, made it clear that his immediate priority is helping the Glasgow side secure a second Scottish Premiership title since his arrival in 2015.
Rangers sit just one point behind league leaders Hearts, with Celtic trailing another two points, and there are only five matches left on the calendar. The tight race has amplified the importance of every performance, and Tavernier’s focus remains firmly on the short‑term objectives rather than long‑term contract negotiations. When asked about his future, the veteran defender responded, "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 does not like to plan too far in advance, preferring to concentrate on the present week, his training regimen, and the logistics of his children's schedules. "It's a hectic life I live, so that's something that will be communicated probably further down the line," he added.
Tavernier also emphasized his deep roots at Ibrox, saying, "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." While he refrains from giving a definitive answer about a new deal, his words suggest a strong emotional connection to the club and an openness to extending his stay if circumstances align. On the pitch, Tavernier’s involvement this season has been limited by injury and rotation.
He has started 23 of Rangers' 33 league fixtures, with head coach Danny Röhl often looking to other squad members to maintain momentum in the title chase. The captain expressed frustration at not being able to feature more regularly, stating, "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 start to the campaign, managing only a single league win before parting ways with manager Russell Martin in October.
When Danny Röhl took over, the team was languishing in sixth place, some 13 points adrift of leaders Hearts. Under his guidance, the side has surged back into contention, and Opta’s statistical model now lists Rangers as the favourites to lift the trophy. Tavernier highlighted the collective mindset required to sustain a title run, noting, "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." He praised the squad’s recent performances, saying, "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. 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 battle, Tavernier’s comments reflect a broader narrative about loyalty, ambition, and the balance between personal life and professional commitments. His willingness to keep the door open on a new contract signals that, should Rangers clinch the championship, both player and club may be inclined to cement a longer‑term partnership. However, his pragmatic approach—focusing on weekly training, family responsibilities, and the pressing goal of securing points—underscores that any decision will be shaped by the outcomes on the field and the stability of his personal life.
As the season draws to a close, Rangers fans will be watching not only the league table but also the subtle cues from their captain. If the club can maintain its current form and edge out Hearts and Celtic in the remaining fixtures, the prospect of a renewed contract for Tavernier could become a celebrated chapter in the club’s recent history.
Until then, his message remains clear: the priority is the present, the performance, and the pursuit of silverware, with any future negotiations to be addressed when the dust settles.