James Tavernier's Move to Maccabi Tel Aviv: A New Chapter in Ligat Ha'al

James Tavernier is set to board a flight to Israel today, carrying with him 11 years of Rangers history and a reputation that will immediately make him one of the headline acts in Ligat Ha'al.

The 34-year-old right-back is closing in on a move to Maccabi Tel Aviv, the reigning Israeli champions, where he is expected to earn around €1 million per season. The deal has yet to be officially confirmed by the club, but in Tel Aviv they are already talking about the arrival of a modern Rangers icon.

Miller’s man

This is not a signing built on reputation alone. It is very clearly a manager’s pick.

Maccabi boss Kenny Miller has personally pushed for Tavernier, according to Israeli journalist Ben Green. Miller knows exactly what he is buying. The pair shared a dressing room at Ibrox for three seasons, watching Rangers climb back to the top of Scottish football.

Speaking to the Israeli press, Miller did little to hide his admiration. “I know him well, he’s a very high-level player, his name came up in the last month,” he said. For a coach still shaping his squad and identity, Tavernier is more than a marquee name; he is a cornerstone.

A captain’s legacy

Tavernier leaves Glasgow with a legacy that is already sealed.

He captained Rangers to the 2020/21 Scottish Premiership title under Steven Gerrard, leading them through an unbeaten league campaign that broke Celtic’s domestic dominance and reset the balance of power in Scotland. He also lifted a Scottish Cup, a Premier Sports Cup, a Challenge Cup and a Championship title during his time at Ibrox.

The numbers are scarcely believable for a defender: 152 goals across his 11-year spell. Penalties, free-kicks, open play – Tavernier’s right boot became a constant threat, a weapon as feared as any striker’s. In Europe, he was just as decisive, finishing as the Europa League’s top scorer during Rangers’ run to the 2022 final in Seville with seven goals in the competition.

In 2023, Rangers inducted him into their Hall of Fame. It felt less like an honour and more like an inevitability.

Tactical shake-up on the cards

His arrival in Tel Aviv is not just about experience and leadership. It could reshape the way Maccabi play.

There is growing talk in Israel that Miller may adjust his tactical approach to get the best out of Tavernier. One option on the table is a switch to a system that uses wing-backs, freeing the former Rangers captain to operate higher up the pitch, where his delivery, timing of runs and eye for goal can cause maximum damage.

It would make sense. Build the flank around him, and you gain not only a defender but an extra forward in all but name.

A new star for Ligat Ha'al

Local media in Israel have already framed the move as one of the most notable in the league’s history. A Rangers Hall of Famer, Europa League top scorer and long-serving captain does not often land in Tel Aviv.

Maccabi are not stopping there. They are reinforcing across the squad as the transfer window closes, with Gabi Kanikovsky returning to the club from Ferencvaros to add more quality and familiarity in midfield.

For Tavernier, this is a sharp change of scenery after more than a decade at Ibrox. From cold Scottish nights and Old Firm derbies to the intensity and heat of Israeli football, he steps into a new chapter with his status already assured.

The question now is simple: how much more can he add to an already remarkable career, wearing yellow and blue instead of royal blue?