da dobrowin： There’s been so much upheaval, so much change at Rangers over the last decade or so, although under a string of managers, there has been one constant at Ibrox – James Tavernier.

da wazamba： At times maligned for his defensive contribution, you simply can’t quibble with the right-back’s attacking influence, putting up numbers that any forward would be delighted with.

Indeed, since his arrival back in 2015, the former Wigan Athletic man has chalked up 284 goals and assists in 550 games, having led the way in the scoring charts again for the Glasgow side this season.

Rumours have been rife over an exit in recent years, but the Gers skipper has always remained. Now, with just a matter of months left on his deal, however, that could all change, with a long-term successor as captain potentially needed.

Rangers in the race for another January deal after Rommens

With new boss Danny Rohl setting the Light Blues back on course, the Ibrox hierarchy are backing their man this month, already bringing in Tochi Chukwuani and Tuur Rommens to strengthen the German’s ranks.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

By all accounts, Wolfsburg winger Andreas Skov Olsen is also on his way to Glasgow on loan until the end of the season, with the 40-cap Dane having cost the German outfit around £12m just a year ago.

With talk also rife over a deal for Hibernian striker, Kieron Bowie, it is evidently clear that Rohl is seeking to strengthen all across the park, with midfield also under consideration, amid the continued battle for Sunderland’s Dan Neil.

As reported again by Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, Rangers remain one of the clubs interested in the Englishman, following their initial enquiry, with both West Ham United and Koln also pursuing his signature.

Downie has reported that with Neil’s own contract expiring this summer, it is “more likely” that any move to Ibrox would be a permanent one, rather than a temporary switch.

The Premiership side have notably been pursuing the 24-year-old’s Black Cats teammate, Romaine Mundle, too this month.

Why Neil could be the next captain after Tavernier

Rohl and Rangers are assembling a relatively young and hungry squad in Glasgow, with real experience somewhat lacking, outside of Jack Butland, John Souttar and Tavernier.

Like Butland this season, Nicolas Raskin has also taken on the captain’s armband in the Englishman’s absence in recent times, albeit with the Belgian midfielder’s own future up for debate heading into this summer, with his deal set to expire in 2027.

Neil could then be the perfect replacement for Raskin in central midfield, as well as representing the better, long-term pick to succeed Tavernier as skipper, provided all goes to plan with that deal.

The Sunderland man has endured a difficult season after losing his place to the likes of Granit Xhaka, following the club’s Premier League promotion, although he was central to the Wearside outfit’s Championship play-off success last time out.

The man who wore the captain’s armband under Regis Le Bris throughout 2024/25, Neil was a constant in the centre of the park, featuring in 47 of the 49 total league games, including the playoffs.

Neil – 24/25 Champ stats

Stat (*per game)

Record

Games

44

Starts

44

Goals

2

Assists

3

Big chances created

4

Pass accuracy*

84%

Tackles*

1.8

Interceptions*

1.1

Recoveries*

5.7

Stats via Sofascore

That regular role only saw him chip in with two goals and three assists, although his influence was unquestionable, with Sunderland expert Josh Bunting highlighting how he “likes to try and get on the ball and dictate”, while also possessing that “bite that you need in Scottish football as well”.

Subscribe to our newsletter for Rangers transfer and captaincy insight Get deeper Rangers insight. Subscribe to the newsletter for in-depth analysis of transfer targets, captaincy succession and squad-building strategy, with expert context that clarifies what each move means for the club.

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Deemed to be the “perfect player” for what Rohl wants to achieve at Ibrox, in the view of Bunting, Neil is a real all-rounder, having ranked in the top 14% of Championship midfielders for progressive passes last season, as per FBref, as well as in the top 25% for interceptions made per 90.

In the view of ex-teammate Patrick Roberts, once of Celtic, the midfielder is a “real leader, on and off the pitch”, ensuring he could be the perfect man to take on the mantle from Tavernier next season.

Having already been central to leading Sunderland to success in 2024/25, why can’t Neil do the same for Rangers in the near future?

After Skov Olsen: Rangers very keen on signing "frightening" Gassama upgrade

Rangers are reportedly considering a move to sign a star who would be an upgrade on Djeidi Gassama.

1 ByDan Emery