Newcastle may regret selling a defender who’s now outscoring Isak
Newcastle United has seen its fair share of players who failed to leave a lasting impression during their tenure at St James’ Park but found success elsewhere.
Throughout the 2010s, the club primarily acquired players for relatively modest transfer fees, aiming for them to shine at Newcastle before potentially fetching a profit upon their departure. The club also experienced some success with academy graduates, exemplified by players like Andy Carroll, who impressed before departing for £35 million after notching 11 goals in 58 games at Anfield.
Despite Newcastle’s achievements with Carroll, they made a significant blunder by allowing a promising youngster to depart the club in 2014, a decision they would come to regret as the player thrived elsewhere.
James Tavernier’s Journey at Newcastle United:
Upon joining Newcastle from Leeds United in 2008, defender James Tavernier signed his professional contract at St James’ Park. He made his debut in a 2-0 League Cup loss to Peterborough United, followed by multiple loan spells at clubs such as Gateshead, Carlisle United, Sheffield Wednesday, and MK Dons. Tavernier also had European experience with Newcastle, featuring in Europa League qualification matches against Atromitos in August 2012, before embarking on loan spells at Shrewsbury Town and Rotherham United, the latter securing promotion to the Championship. Tavernier’s successful stint at Rotherham prompted Championship side Wigan Athletic to permanently acquire him, concluding his six-year tenure at St James’.
However, a decade after leaving Newcastle, Tavernier has flourished, emerging as one of Europe’s most productive defenders in terms of goal contributions, leaving Newcastle potentially rueing his departure.
James Tavernier’s Rise at Rangers:
Following his time at Wigan, Tavernier made a pivotal career move, transitioning from England to Scotland by joining Rangers in the summer of 2015. This decision marked a turning point in his career.
Tavernier immediately made an impact at Ibrox, amassing an impressive 28 goal contributions in 36 appearances for the club, seamlessly adapting to life in Scotland. His remarkable journey with Rangers continued as he assumed the captaincy and played a pivotal role in securing the club’s first Scottish league title in over a decade during the 2020/21 season, registering 11 goals and ten assists. Tavernier’s stellar form persisted in the 2023/24 campaign, with his tally of 14 league goals surpassing that of current Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, who scored 12 times in the Premier League under Eddie Howe. Tavernier’s achievements at Rangers, particularly as a defender, are nothing short of remarkable, having amassed 449 appearances, scoring 122 goals, and providing 137 assists for his teammates.
Considering Tavernier’s extraordinary success since leaving Newcastle, the club may have erred in allowing him to depart inexpensively in 2014, particularly during their turbulent period under former owner Mike Ashley. Tavernier’s accomplishments serve as a testament to the club’s oversight in not retaining him.
