James Tavernier to leave Rangers: Captain exits after record-breaking 11-year spell

Rangers F.C. Captain James Tavernier has officially announced to leave the club after the expiration of his club at the end of 2025-26 season.

Taking to Instagram, the 34-year-old Hall of Famer made the announcement on Wednesday, calling it “a difficult decision.”

He wrote, "This hasn't been an easy decision. This club has been a huge part of my life and my family's over the past 11 years.”

“It's given me so much, both on and off the pitch. From the moment I arrived, I've always tried to give everything I had to represent it in the right way.”

As per contract, Tavernier will leave Rangers as a free agent in June 2026 after 11 years at the club. His contract is going to expire on May 31, 2026, with no renewal offered.

During his time at Ibrox, he made 562 appearances and scored an unprecedented 144 goals from the right-back position.

The decision to depart marks a tactical shift for the club under manager Danny Rohl as they look toward younger talent. James Tavernier was named Rangers captain in 2018 and he joined Rangers from Wigan Athletic in 2015.

When it comes to Tavernier’s achievement, he won five trophies including the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup. He was named PFA Scotland Player of the Year in 2021 and also captained the team to the 2022 Europa League Final.

Tavernier is also hoping to add another Premiership medal to his collection, saying, “This isn't the end just yet. There is still a season to finish and we are fully focused on pushing for the league title. I will continue to give absolutely everything, as I always have, until the very last day.”