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 end of the season, emphasized that his immediate priority is to help the club secure a second Scottish Premiership crown since he arrived at Ibrox in 2015. Rangers sit just a single point behind league leaders Hearts, with Celtic trailing another two points, and there are only five matches remaining in the campaign.
In this tight race, Tavernier insists his focus is entirely on the task at hand rather than future negotiations. "I'm taking it day by day," he explained when asked about his long‑term plans. "My wife asked me about holiday arrangements, and I told her that's too far ahead for me to consider right now.
I don’t like to think two weeks or months ahead; I concentrate on this week – my training, my kids' schedules, and the matches we have in front of us." He added that the demands of his professional and personal life mean any contract discussion will likely be dealt with later in the season. "I've been at Rangers for a long time, and I’ll never shut the door on a new deal, but I have to wait and see how things develop," he said. The defender has featured in 23 of Rangers' 33 league fixtures this term, with head coach Danny Röhl increasingly rotating the squad to keep players fresh for the title push.
Tavernier expressed frustration at not starting every game, noting that his fitness remains high. "My body isn’t slowing down at all, but if the manager asks me to sit on the bench, I will support the lads, give my input and stay true to myself. When I’m on the pitch, I give everything for the team," he said.
Rangers endured a difficult opening to the season, managing only one league win before parting ways with former manager Russell Martin in October. When Röhl took over, the team were sixth in the table, some 13 points adrift of leaders Hearts.
Under his guidance, Rangers have surged back into contention, with Opta’s data models now listing them as favourites to lift the trophy. "The title is in our hands," Tavernier asserted.
"Our aim is simple: win every game from now until the final whistle of the season. We treat each match like a cup final – the same intensity, the same preparation." He praised the squad’s recent performances, which have not only delivered points but also given the manager a complex puzzle when selecting his XI.
"The belief is in the squad. Over the past few months you’ve seen the results and the quality of our play.
It’s been a headache for the gaffer in terms of choices, but it shows we’re in a great position," Tavernier said. The captain stressed the importance of humility and relentless drive.
"We must stay humble, stay hungry, keep pushing each other, and apply ourselves fully in training and matches. That’s the formula that will see us over the line," he added. Looking beyond the immediate title race, Tavernier hinted that any contract talks will be influenced by the outcome of the season and his family’s needs. "My wife and kids are my priority off the pitch, and the club is my priority on it.
When the season ends, we’ll sit down and discuss the next steps," he explained. Rangers’ recent form has been bolstered by a blend of experienced heads and emerging talents, with Röhl favouring a high‑pressing style that has unsettled opponents. Tavernier, known for his attacking contributions from right‑back, has added several assists and a handful of goals, reinforcing his status as a leader both on and off the field.
The upcoming fixtures include crucial clashes against Hearts and Celtic, both of which could decide the championship. Tavernier remains confident that the team’s collective spirit will see them through. "Every game is a final for us. If we keep that mindset, stay focused, and give everything we have, the title will be ours," he concluded.
As the season draws to a close, Rangers fans will be watching closely to see whether Tavernier’s dedication translates into a trophy lift and whether a new contract will be on the table once the dust settles.