James Tavernier and Connor Goldson were both this week linked with a money-spinning transfer switch to Saudi.
The Rangers duo are believed to be on Steven Gerrard’s shopping list for Al-Ettifaq this summer as he looks to strengthen his chances of climbing up the Pro League next term having endured a difficult period this season. The Ibrox pair enjoyed a strong working relationship with Gerrard in Glasgow and could certainly be tempted by the cash on offer in the Middle East should they decide it’s time for a fresh start.
But where might Philippe Clement sit on the idea? The Gers boss will have his own thoughts on what the potential sales may do for his own side and that could potentially kybosh – or expedite – the process.
Pros
Last chance to cash-in
Tavernier is 32-years-old and Goldson is 31. The fact that both are tied down to contracts would have suggested – when they were signed – that there would be no more chances at another transfer.
Saudi clubs have access to plenty of dosh and Gers are in a place to hold out. It won’t be a staggering amount, but a few million quid in the coffers would go towards a summer transfer haul.
Elder statesmen
Their ages have been mentioned previously, but it is something for the club to consider. Gers will eventually have to clear the decks with younger talent and John Souttar, at 27, would be a suitable star to find another partner for.
Gers cannot rely on the two forever.
Offload big wages
The captain and his deputy are two of the highest paid players at the club and being able to shift their salaries off the wage bill would be a major help towards the new era.
Again, it’s all about Clement building an exciting team on the pitch and the best opportunity he’ll have to do that will be with some money to play with.
Clean slate
It all comes back to the manager looking to freshen things up and truly create the squad in his mould. Clement will want his own players from back to front. He’ll likely want to name his own captain albeit he had the same chance to do so when he arrived, but Tavernier has been a strong skipper.
Seeing Tavernier and Goldson leave would be the last real remnants of a playing squad that has had its time.
Cons
Losing leaders
Their experience is only matched by one another at Rangers as both defenders have been there, seen that, done it. The “leadership group” is led by these two and losing them would be surrendering a lot of knowledge and understanding of the expectations at Ibrox.
They’re a respected pair and lead by doing as opposed to the traditional screaming certain other captains may do elsewhere. Clement will perhaps find it difficult to replace.
Goals galore
There is absolutely no chance whatsoever that the club will find a right-back who is capable of providing the stats that Tavernier has over the years. He’s now the highest scoring UK defender of all time and he’s come up with so many vital strikes that has won games, saved matches and helped lift trophies. Goldson has chipped in but Tav’s return is nothing short of other-worldly and even the strikers will struggle to come close to matching that.
Stalwart Connor
This past weekend vs Hearts aside, it’s difficult to remember a game that meant anything to Rangers where Goldson didn’t play from the start.
When fit, the 31-year-old former Brighton player has been one of the first names on the team sheet even when Nathan Patterson was picked ahead of Tavernier previously. There was no other Mr Reliable in the same category as Goldson and he’ll be a tough one to replace at Ibrox.
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