Newcastle United’s decision to sell James Tavernier to Wigan Athletic in 2014 has massively backfired, with the right-back now starring in Europe as Rangers’ club captain.
After making just ten appearances for Newcastle’s senior side having progressed through the academy, the Toon cashed in on Tavernier, with Wigan reportedly paying just £90k to sign him on a three-year deal.
The defender struggled for regular game time during his spell with the Lancashire side but impressed on loan with Bristol City, contributing three goals and one assist in just 13 appearances for the Ashton Gate outfit.
That was enough to convince Rangers to bring him to Ibrox in 2015 and he has established himself as something of a legend with the Teddy Bears in the seven years since, with his form regularly attracting interest from sides in the Premier League.
In 362 appearances for Rangers, Tavernier has contributed a phenomenal 86 goals and 111 assists, helping take them from the Scottish Championship to the Champions League this season.
Last season saw the Englishman finish as the Europa League’s top scorer as Rangers lost in the final against Eintracht Frankfurt, which is a remarkable achievement for a defender and he has appeared three times in the Champions League so far this season as the Scottish side returned to the elite competition.
His performances in the run to the final earned him the praise of former Rangers man Andy Halliday. He said:
“I’m going to get stick for this and I do not care but Tav’s performances have been at a world-class level.
“He has performed to the highest level. In every knockout round, he’s scored the first goal at Ibrox.
“You’re wanting someone to lead the team forward and he’s scored first in every game – he’s unbelievable.”
Still only 30, Tavernier is a vital part of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side and shows no signs of slowing down, with three goals and four assists to his name already this season.
While the Toon boast a top-quality right-back of their own in Kieran Trippier, there is no doubt that the club made a mistake in not giving Tavernier more of a chance during his time at St James’ Park, and selling him for peanuts has definitely backfired.