Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq has been linked with a move for James Tavernier and Connor Goldson but Rangers FC manager Philippe Clement is confident that the pair is not going to leave.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Clement said[h/t STV News]: “I didn’t hear anything from Steven. I expect them both to be here next season and that is my expectation.
“There has been no reason (for me to speak to them about their future), my players will come to me if they want to speak about that if they have doubts or if they want to go, or if they are out of contract.
“We have that relationship, if I need to speak to every player every time there is a rumour then we will not train too much because there are so many rumours in the world now and so much fake news also so if we need to speak about that every time then I think it is a waste of energy.”
James Tavernier joined Rangers FC from Wigan in 2015 and Goldson arrived at the club in 2018 from Brighton for a fee of around €3.4 million. Over the years, these two have become an integral part of the squad and currently, they are amongst some of the most experienced players in the Scottish top division. This season, Connor has featured in 30 league games while the 32-year-old Tavernier has scored 17 goals along with 8 assists in 33 league appearances.
However, both of them are out of contract in 2026 and with interest from the cash-rich Saudi Pro League, it’s very hard to see Rangers opposing a move for either of them. Tavernier and Goldson have both crossed 30 and if Al-Ettifaq is willing to offer good money then there’s every chance the Gers will cash in.
James Tavernier is valued at €7 million while the centre-back is valued at €6 million so if Steven Gerrard’s team is offering around €20-25 million for the pair, Rangers FC will give a green light. The offer for Goldson is not yet in the open but as per rumours, Al-Ettifaq is willing to offer around €8.5 million for the Light Blues captain.
Philippe Clement obviously wants to hold onto the pair because they are very important to his plans but we don’t think the SPFL club can afford to let go of a substantial amount of money.
