James Tavernier should stay. That’s where my head is after looking at the right-back picture — he’s tried, tested and the one area I’d be nervous about losing without a clear plan.
Why keeping Tavernier makes sense
To be fair, there’s a lot to like about keeping him around. He knows the club, the dressing room, and how we want to play. You can’t underestimate the value of that continuity. Yes, form dips and pace slows with time, but experience and leadership count for a lot — especially when you want a steady hand in big domestic games.
We’ve also seen what happens when replacements don’t bed in. Spending decent money on a player who never settles — or taking a loan who never reproduces his best level — leaves us exposed. Yilmaz and Aarons have been mentioned already for a reason; they’re reminders that signings can flop just as easily as they can be winners.
What the competition should look like
That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t recruit. We absolutely should. But the smart move is to sign a genuine right-back who provides competition and cover, then make a call on Tavernier. Two players for the same position is sensible squad building. One to start, one to push him — or to step in when needed.
And we must be realistic about Sterling. He’s clearly talented, but prolonged injury issues change the calculus. If he can’t show sustained fitness, you can’t bank on him being the long-term answer. That’s not a knock on the player, it’s simple squad reality.
Don’t gamble the position away
So the takeaway? Keep Tavernier until a credible upgrade arrives. Bring in competition, yes — but don’t let ideology or a flash signing leave us weaker. It’s about cover, experience and sensible recruitment. That’s the route I’d back going into next season.
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