Why West Ham should raid Rangers to sign James Tavernier next summer
According to an earlier report from Birmingham Mail prior to the January transfer window, West Brom were interested in signing Rangers right-back James Tavernier and Ibrox manager Steven Gerrard had stated that the 27-year-old might head for the exit door. However, a move away from Ibrox failed to materialize for the club-captain and he continued to weave his magic in Scotland.
Tavernier has been in fine form this season, with the Englishman registering 14 goals and 17 assists from 47 appearances for the Gers across all competitions. The 27-year-old has been one of the standout performers for the Scottish giants since completing the switch from Wigan Athletic back in 2015, accumulating an impressive tally of 40 goals and 56 assists from a total of 187 appearances.
Tavernier has established himself as one of the hottest properties in the Scottish Premiership and quite unsurprisingly, his stellar performances haven’t eluded the eyes of the clubs across the border. Brighton were one of the Premier League clubs who were credited with an interest in the Rangers skipper last year, and going by the player’s current run of form, there might be more clubs to follow.
To put things into, West Ham should join the race to sign James Tavernier next summer, with the Hammers in need of a long-term replacement for the ageing Pablo Zabaleta. The Argentine veteran has done really well for Manuel Pellegrini’s side this term but he might as well hang up his boots at the end of the season, which would leave the manager with Ryan Fredericks as the sole option at right-back.
The east Londoners have lined up Man United skipper Antonio Valencia as a potential replacement, with the Ecuadorian international set to be out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season, but the 33-year-old can hardly be seen as a long-term fix. Hence, the Hammers should turn their attention towards Tavernier,27, as a long-term solution to their right-back conundrum.
The Rangers captain would be a perfect fit for Pellegrini’s attacking football which necessitates the full-backs to make powerful overlapping runs and create chances from the wide areas. And Tavernier, with his immaculate crossing, vision to link-up with his teammates from the flanks and powerful long-range shooting, certainly fits the bill. Furthermore, his ability to time his tackles to perfection and break up the play with crucial interceptions should interest the Hammers all the more.
West Ham have done reasonably well in their first season under Manuel Pellegrini, despite suffering numerous set-backs due to injuries. Already boasting of some top-quality players in their ranks, it is now time for the Hammers to consolidate and challenge for a spot in Europe next season.
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They need adequate cover in all areas of their squad to excel on all fronts and a new right-back should be on top of Pellegrini’s wishlist next summer. That said, the Hammers should make James Tavernier their No.1 target ahead of the upcoming season.
